In regard to using brick as the exterior finish on a new house, I've had someone suggest saving money by putting stucco or similar on the exposed basement walls (primarily in the back of the house) instead of the brick.

I'm not sure how good this would look. In particular, I'm imagining using the ICF with brick ledge at the first floor level. This would mean that the basement stucco wall is set in from the brick wall above. Wouldn't this look funny? Any ideas. Thanks.

You seem to have a double post....

We have the same general idea you are proposing. The transitions from foundation to above grade will be a brickledge. The exposed 1-2 feet of foundation can be finished with cementious coating (permacrete, etc), or in our particular case will be "spit and stick" thin stone veneer. I think stucco (color to match the brick) also looks good. Also, I believe that a brick install does best when started above grade. As I recall "bricks are wicks."

Good luck.....Leonard