Wofati in Tucson AZ

I just happened upon this design recently on Permies.com and have just started reading about it.  I have already heard comments about arid climates being easier. One major issue I see is the lack of wood posts in Tucson AZ.  Trees do grow tall in Tucson.  I would need an alternate building material.  Also, the termites would eat up the posts before you would finish construction. Does anyone have any experience with these in the Sound West? Rammed earth wall are popular here.  Would they be a good alternative?

Additionally, sourcing recycled materials often results in a bit of a hodge podge design that may have strong environmental esthetics but low curb appeal.  I realize curb appeal is the not high on the goals of this design, but for this type of building construction to gain wider acceptance it needs to appeal to a larger audience.  

What Is Curb Appeal?
Curb appeal is a term used to describe the general attractiveness of a house or other piece of property from the sidewalk to a prospective buyer. This term is often used by realtors trying to sell or evaluate a piece of property.

My opinion is that if curb appeal is a criteria for a project, you should not even start.
If we build according to the whims of unknown people we are doomed to normality.

You are right. If trees are not available, then you must use whatever you can source locally.
I suspect thermal mass is appropriate for your location.

If I were to build something like a wofati at my place, I'd use bricks and mortar. Then, concrete beams. They are not top ecological materials, but they are available, rather cheap and can stand the weight of the earth over the wofati. And has very low maintenance.

I think all of the materials you speak of are available secondhand, so you may feel comfortable about that.
If you add steel beams to the list they are readily available secondhand.
Often leftovers are available if you trawl building sites.
Even steel pipe, 100 -200 mm diameter can be used as columns, all as offcuts etc.
Good luck.
What size are you looking at building?