"...why do you use so much siding on housing or a mixture of brick, siding and stone I have seen all three at the same time on some houses ?..we tend to use brick and/or plaster and most houses are brick built not wood framed..."
Wood, and sawn lumber are plentiful in North American, and have been used to frame and finish houses for hundreds of years. Cheaper and quicker than masonry walls.
As for the number of exterior finish materials, until 50 years or so ago, common sense reigned and it was common for only 1-2 major exterior finish materials. Houses looked unified and were enjoyable to see when walking or driving through residential neighborhoods.
Thereafter, America came under the Giant Housing Blight where builders started using as many exterior materials as possible on the front elevation of houses, and resorted to the cheapest possible material for the sides and rear elevation of the houses. Houses took on bizarre shapes and forms with no reason or purpose. Small children started disappearing and strange lights and noises were seen and heard at night. No one knows where this Blight came from nor why it happened, but it seemed to engulf large geographical areas. People entered these abominations, with all their belongings, and were never seen again.
My advice to you is forget vacationing in America and go to Italy where the views and wine are better...
Q