Architects, builders and product manufacturers have collectively spent millions of dollars and decades of time investing in building science to build better, safer, healthier and more resilient homes that will stand the test of time. The tragedy of Hurricane Helene in 2024, which caused a significant loss of human life as well as an estimated $200 billion in property and infrastructure damage, brought to light the reality that everyone in every state fundamentally needs a home designed for today’s reality.
At VISION House Asheville, a project of Green Builder Media and Alair Asheville | Red Tree, a member of Alair Homes, North America’s largest custom home building and renovation franchise, multiple partners are bringing together experts in every aspect of resilient building, wellness architecture, and Value Per Square Foot™, a metric that provides insights for home buyers and owners about long-term affordability and resilience.
Under construction in North Asheville’s Beaverdam community, the custom-designed house features climate-responsive architecture for harmonious living within nature, built with innovative high-performance building science techniques and resilient products.
From exterior building components to outdoor living features, several products by James Hardie will add to the resilience of the VISION House Asheville to high winds, floods, wildfire and other hazards.
“Hardie Fiber Cement products used on VISION House Asheville are designed for durability and resilience, they are noncombustible* resistant to damage from moisture and extreme weather and hold little appeal to pests,” says Chad Fredrickson, general manager of fiber cement at James Hardie.
Resilience and Sustainability and Long-term Affordability
Surveys for Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Smart Data uncovered a shift in perspective among today’s buyers: a focus on long-term affordability and value rather than purely on upfront cost and aesthetics. In one survey, buyers said their intention when buying a home or undertaking a major remodeling project was to pay attention to the lowest long-term cost, followed by their comfort and wellbeing, and improved quality of life. Investment potential also ranked above the lowest upfront cost.
Sustainability and resilience are core to James Hardie and the variety of brands and materials across its portfolio.
“Our Engineered for Climate fiber cement products are deemed noncombustible, FEMA Class 5 flood damage resistant in the U.S. and resistant to damage from hail and pests,” Cimaglia says. “They build value for homeowners and meet the demand for high-quality products, contributing to a more future-ready built environment. Our fiber cement products absorb CO2 from the air, providing an array of benefits throughout their service life.”
Resilient Products for VISION House Asheville
Only Hardie Fiber Cement products are Engineered for Climate, formulated specifically for various regions to respond to the climate conditions and risks inherent in each location. In North Carolina, hazards include humid, moist summers, along with risks from hurricanes, floods and fire.
In addition, Hardie siding provides a low-maintenance exterior with a 30-year limited non-prorated siding, trim and soffit substrate warranty.
At the VISION House Asheville, the custom home named “Harmony,” for its design that blends with its natural surroundings, Hardie Artisan Lap Siding adds sophistication to the exterior with extra thick boards and deep shadow lines to create a masterpiece. Hardie Panel Siding gives the home’s exterior a fresh look with vertical panel siding available in a range of styles, textures and colors.
A Sustainable Future
As with all VISION House projects, the goal is to generate a new understanding of the innovations and building techniques that can improve long-term sustainability. The Alair Asheville | Red Tree custom home will serve as a real-world demonstration of the future of homebuilding with the help of companies committed to sustainability.
“At James Hardie, we believe the next chapter of sustainability leadership will be defined by creating homes and communities that are resilient, accessible and built for the future,” Cimaglia says “We’re uniquely positioned to lead because our products help deliver durable, resilient housing while we continue advancing circularity and decarbonization across our operations. We’re also looking beyond products, working with partners to expand affordable housing, strengthen communities and promote proactive design that helps protect people and homes from severe weather and wildfire risks.”
*Fire Disclaimer: Hardie fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A Fire Rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, may help harden a home against external fire.