>Do builders over there even know what bricks are? Builders over here in earthquake country are constrained by earthquake and fire mitigation materials. Plus

>Do builders over there even know what bricks are? Builders over here in earthquake country are constrained by earthquake and fire mitigation materials. Plus masonry isn't energy-efficient. BTW, I highly recommend the PBS series "Home Diagnosis" for modern home building strategies and testing of insulation and airflow.