GBlist: Concrete block house

[NOSPAMGK@aol.com]

Hi everyone!
I want to build a house this year (doing most of the work myself) and am very 
seriously considering dry stack concrete block, then spray with that adhesive 
stuff that holds it altogether (like earth sheltered houses).  But mine will 
be all above ground in a temperate climate (middle tennessee). The house will 
be approx 24'x44' inner dimensions.
 
Should I use regular concrete blocks or something like those e-blocks or 
insulated concrete blocks?

Also, my plans call for 2 walls of glass, the south and east walls (about 50% 
of total wall area.)  I would like to take advantage of solar gain for heat, 
would I be better using single pane (possibly several sets of sliding glass 
doors??) or double pane?

I want to have a concrete floor (to store heat), but could a do-it-yourselfer 
set plumbing in the concrete floor or should I pay to have someone do that?

Thanks,
Greg
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