They are using the lateral capacites of the plaster - Arkin- Tilt Architects uses what they call PISE - a soil cement applied with gunite equipment in a 2-3" thickness with 14 gauge wire mesh reinforcement. others use the cement -lime plaster skins (stucco)- there is full scale testing data available to validate allowable loads
Tim Rudolph
Bishop CA
Tim- this is interesting. How do they obtain lateral resistance- with plywood on portions of the walls?
I have built a two story straw bale house in Fallbrook for my own use, but I started with a steel building frame and diagonal bracing for lateral loads.
Stan Scholl PE
Laguna Beach, CA