Offbeat housing???

[JanGeo]

John Deer lawn tractor has accessories for the lawnmower including a back hole digger so you start with a lawn tractor....

[BumblingB]

omgwtfbyobbq- I may just take you up on that offer. As the weather cools here I'll be doing more outside. The wife and I discussed it and she wants to do the earthbag first (at least that's today's thought, could change tomorrow)

The Toecutter- MY FAVORITE is the geodesic from AI Domes, I still really want to do one of those....

JanGeo- I currently have a 20 horsepower Yanmar tractor (they do the engines for John Deere). This might be the excuse for getting that front end loader I've been wanting for it. I already have a bush hog, disc, grader, & box blade for it.

[WisJim]

Domes: the interior space is odd/difficult to deal with or use, unless you are growing trees in it. (my opinion, based on domes built by friends) The most recent dome I have known is a monolithic concrete dome, isn't quite done yet, way way over budget.

Strawbale: I would consider strawbale if I was building a new home, but I am in Wisconsin, not Florida, and have no experience with any housing or building in southern climates.

Cob: I agree with the messiness comments. I think that cob is for folks who still want to fingerpaint.

Papercrete looks real interesting, but I haven't done anything with it. Keep thinking that i should make a giant blender to mix it in properly and then start building--but I am not done with all of my current projects.

Earthbag--no experience, seems like a lot of work.

Whatever you do, make sure it is well insulated if you are going to live in it, to keep it cool in hot weather and warm in cold weather, with minimal energy expenditure.