The earthbags are a great alternative to haybale, which had been mentioned as a good earthquake proof design, but which I was concerned about from a water/pest issue.
Nader Khalili is the architect I mentioned earlier. Lots of info on him and his work at this website. Have often wondered how this material would work here in the humidity -- probably would need some kind of vapor barrier as is used with other masonry construction. Anyone who ever spent a winter in one of the old Seagrove bungalows will know what I mean -- cold, damp, slick floors and nasty black fur growing on the walls because of moisture!