To inspire you to build a low-impact natural home take a look at the natural homes map where you will find straw bale, cob, earthship and other low-impact homes around the world with links to the owner's websites.

Naturalhomes.org also have an up-to-date list of natural building courses.

Are there any straw-bale projects in the GVRD and any co-ops where one can get hands-on experience?

Yes: there is one on Salt Spring Island that formed part of this year's Eco Home Tour.