Jim:
I am considering using Insulated Concrete Form (ICF [1]) for building my next house/retreat back in the United States for when I feel that it is not longer safe to live abroad.
For a relatively small incremental cost in a new home (3-5%), you have disaster proof, fire resistant, fortified home. I found this brochure [2] (in PDF) that describes some of the advantages of ICF construction.
Best Regards, – AmEx (American Expatriate)