This house in Austin, Texas, by Alterstudio illustrates the myriad means of expression available with brick's variables: color, size, bonding, mortar color and relief. The tan bricks in this case provide a contrast with the dark ipe wood that is a major part of the building's front.Note that, on the left side, the typical running bond (bricks overlap one another by half) is eschewed in favor of a ⅓ running bond; the overlap creates a woven effect with strong verticals countering the horizontality. Further, the expanse of wall over the ipe wood uses gray mortar, while that below uses a mortar that matches the brick color. These subtle differences add up to a unique effect that ties the brick with the wood.