You might want to look into Durisol Blocks. I have started looking into using them as a wall system for the first floor with a timber frame second floor and truss as you are suggesting. Info at
http://www.durisolbuild.com/default.html. I am looking at them as an alternative to strawbale becuase they would go up fast, have no insulating foams to gas-off, no OSB and would avoid some of the issues of strawbale such as moisture and bank loan approval etc. The down side is the price. A 12 inch thick wall runs at $6.50 a square foot plus the cost of rebar and concrete. Such a wall should produce a breathable wall that still has a very good R-value. I have not had the time to delve very far into the product yet but I am watching the progression of a house being built this way in my area of southern Maine. If I learn enough from that project I will pass on more. If any one else out there has had experience with Durisol please let me know.
