The 'Encyclopedia of Vernacular Architecture' by Paul 
Oliver, or the internet are two great places to start the 
research on all types of indigenous architecture.

There is a relationship, golf balls are spherical and 
Igloos are part spheres, (half spheres) so yes half a golf 
ball would have simillar forces acting on it as an igloo, 
apart from the differences in material.

It uses the bamboo-like reed (about 3 layers) to form the 
shape of the vault, then straw-clay for insulation (about 
12") then lime to cap it. I think this is a very good 
method for Mexico type climate.

Clay for building has simillar insulation property to 
rammed earth as it is the same material just applied in a 
different way. As you have mentioned it really performs 
best where thermal mass is needed. Straw bales have 
insulation value twice that of the building regulations 
reguirement. When you mix the two together, depending on 
what proportions you mix you get somewhere in between the 
two. The best straw clay walls for this type of climate are 
ones where you mix as much straw with the clay as possible, 
to obtain as high an insulation value as possible, then 
apply thick internal earthen plaster and south-facing 
windows for the earthen plaster to act as thermal mass 
inside.

When I design I always first take note of the natural 
resources that are available close to the land that I will 
be building on, and try to use them in my design as much as 
possible, trying to minimize the use of the contemporary 
materials. I only use contemporary materials where 
absolutely necessary, usually for very practical functional 
reasons.

They need large footings/foundations, i.e to be high off 
the ground using earthbags, or stone etc... so they are not 
affected by splash water and puddles, and they also need a 
substantial roof overhang to protect the walls, or porches 
to be incorporated into design.

Buildings which are usually post and beam construction with 
the finest timber joinery and detailing (no nails), often 
using beautiful stone for foundations. The infill between 
the post and beam structure (leaving the timber structure 
exposed) is usually something like the british wattle and 
daub. Woven branches or bamboo or fine pieces of timber are 
covered with earthen mix which contains straw, then earth 
plastered and very often covered with a very smooth thin 
lime render externally and left as an earthen plaster 
finish internally. The earthen plasters are made very fine 
and smooth.
The wall of such a house is usually quite thin, the 
internal partitions are made of wood and paper, therefore 
the house can be very cold in the winter months. If you are 
building in a colder climate my advise would be to have 
thicker walls.....The roof of the house was often made of 
incredibly thick thatch.The plan of the house is usually 
designed in a 'tatami' (japanese bed) module, so the layout 
of partitions is flexible and can be changed if necessary.

Lintel is a  horizontal supporting crosspiece over an 
opening. Horizontal beam used as a finishing piece over a 
door or window.Sometimes beam used above the window is 
called Lintel beam.( above the window,door..)