Natural Building Methods

I've always loved the thatched cottages that so picturesquely dotted the Irish, Welsh, and English countrysides. Lately, however, my interest in them has gone far beyond the yearning that I had to live in one of them, and has progressed to the point of seriously thinking about building and living in one, especially while David is in grad school. I've checked out some books, done a lot of research online, and ordered in more books while contemplating the best and most efficient (for a four-year living situation) methods of creating a home for us. Right now cob is the method I like most, but more research will probably expand my views on natural building and help me come up with a method that will work even better for our goals.

Here's a neat slideshow of different naturally built homes around the world.