Ok, so we've been having the discussion about cost per square foot of wall and other ideas, how about a 2x4 framed wall sheath will 2" of rigid foam sheathing then the 4x8x16 cmu built up on a brick ledge and have stucco applied over that. It makes complete sense if you wanted a solid substrate to have the stucco applied over. All things considered, 2x4 sheath with either osb or plywood, the cost of stucco includes all the prep and lathe is running 8-10 a square. A 1/2 2 coat over cmu is running 4-5 a square. Cmu are costing 1.50 a square for materials alone. So does it make sense to build this way and save a bundle in the process. Not to mention that you won't get that hollow sound when you hammer the wall, instead you'll get the solid thud sound.

If you can get stucco + cmu for less $ than just stucco, I'd do it. You might even save some on a non-structural 2x4 wall.

Stucco over wood frame was high but stucco over cmu is less. Question is do you detail it same as brick? I suppose I should have asked that in my first post. Stucco contractor told me with cmu, he won't have to build it up to an inch thick, no paper, no lathe. So 1/2" thick right to the block. That's why it's half the price.

Jonr, I think with it being a veneer, the 2x4 wall system will still need to be a structural unit. It just won't be holding a stucco up as the old way did.