Here in Russia it usually requires an external layer of insulation plus cladding, you don't just stucco it and call it a day. I did the math and a wall two bloc

Here in Russia it usually requires an external layer of insulation plus cladding, you don't just stucco it and call it a day. I did the math and a wall two blocks thick should be barely sufficient, but needs a vapour barrier inside, or the dew point will be inside the wall, ruining it. A vapour barrier and a drywall finish means no reduction in construction costs.