We call it "chickenwire" lacing. It was really big in the early to mid 90s MTBs. I built several like that back in the day, and noticed that --> if built right <-- it makes for a stiffer front wheel. I never noticed any difference in the rear. I still think it looks kinda cool on the right bikes. to each their own.
BTW, add about 1.2mm in spoke length for each twist of the spokes, and run a little more tension than you are used to. I never had any creaking or popping, but I only used this pattern on my mountainbikes so any noise would probably be more noticeable on the road.