FWIW, I live in a modest but nice neighborhood where many of the houses are brick and built in the early 1950s. It's said the houses have "good bones". Construction was by skilled craftsman, built solid and with some artistic sense. The materials of those houses that haven't been "improved" to near destruction are pre-pollution brick, wood, porcelain, and plaster. It's hard to fathom, but some younger professionals are buying new, mostly pre-fab stuff that won't last as long as these older houses will.
That's interesting about the thatching. I'm wondering if it's also more flammable.
I was talking to a gal that lives in a new condo downtown. She said it is really nice with all the anemities, sharp styling, etc., but not built well. Hinges already going bad, varnish wearing, etc.
She said “It reminds me of something I would buy at IKEA.”