I worked on a red oak frame with brick nogging locally. The siding was removed and the low fired salmon bricks were exposed, they were never intended to be. The frame was totally rotted out in the next 10 years, it did have other problems that contributed. I do like the style and hope to see more details and explanations

For the clock, does anyone live near New Glarus WI? I think I remember several examples of that style in that area.