Cob: strawbale/cob on the inside

[Matthew HALL(SED)]

Jason,
What you should strive for if building in a cold climate is to decrease the volume of interior
space relative to the mass of your walls. This can be acheived by having slightly lower ceilings
and constructing very thick walls. Also, try to recess your building in the ground as much as you
can. This serves two purposes:
You can tap into a small amount of geothermal energy which will naturally heat your house
(slightly). Just 4 feet below ground level and the temperature should be noticeably warmer once the
soil is shielded from the weather. 
You can use the excavated soil for your walls. Also, your exposed wall heights are reduced and so
less heat loss can occur through wind cooling etc. If humidity is low do not worry about heating
the space. If it is high you will need to ventilate at the same time as heating.
Hope this helps
Matthew