...doesn't look as funky, or scream "HIPPY!" as loudly.
Agree with you there, however, if a post and beam structure (like the link posted earlier) is used, I think it would rival straight Adobe for structural soundness. Also, tests have proven that adobe covered straw is very fire resistant, this not from it's champions but the insurance companies, hey.. they oughta know.
Nothing wrong with FUNKY or HIPPY, can't always judge an owner by his house.