The man in the back is applying the stucco finish to the piers, he is using a hawk and trowel. On the right side of the image we can see that he has not yet applied the stucco to the final pier, it just has the scratch and brown coats on
Batt insulation is used in between the wall studs and between the floor joists

This is an image from the stairwell, the electricians have installed the gas pipes, and these pipes will be hidden from view after the steel studs are covered. The block of wood is placed between the joists to allow for stability for the pipes.