When Peter Pfeiffer and Alan Barley, principals of Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture in Austin, and Justin Moore, owner of White Elephant General Contractors in Austin, started to discuss plans for a custom home for clients Robert and Judi George, one of their earliest decisions was to recommend installing fiber cement siding from James Hardie.
“We specified Hardie cement siding from the beginning because it’s more durable compared to vinyl siding,” Moore says. “It adds more texture to the house, which adds to the beauty of the design, but even more important, the Hardie siding is noncombustible. That’s becoming more and more of a big deal in Central Texas.”
The George’s house, known as the VISION House Austin and developed in partnership with Green Builder Media, showcases a design-forward approach to sustainability that is enhanced by the innovative products and systems. The Georges, who share a lifelong commitment to sustainability, plan to age-in-place in their sustainable, smart, energy efficient home.
Durability has always been a hallmark of Hardie fiber cement products. Today’s Hardie siding includes products designed to match the climate where they’re installed.
“In Austin, we're dealing with extreme heat, humidity and blistering sun,” says Jill Kolling, Chief Sustainability Officer for James Hardie. “We participated in another VISION House with Green Builder in Milwaukee, which also has an extreme climate, but on the flip side since it gets extremely cold. The great thing about Hardie fiber cement products is they are engineered for climate resilience, and they're designed specifically with the homeowners’ climate zone in mind for optimal performance of the product.”
In Austin, Hardie Zone 10 (HZ10) products work best since they are specifically formulated to protect homes from the harsh environment there and in other Southern locations, according to Kolling. Hardie Zone (HZ5) products are typically used in northern and mountainous areas.
“Using the products developed for specific climates means builders can ensure that the home’s exterior will be as tough as it is beautiful for years to come,” Kolling says.
The Austin climate presents three challenges that were addressed with Hardie fiber cement siding.
“The raw materials we use to make our products makes them non-combustible*,” Kolling says.
wThe VISION House includes Hardie Artisan siding and Hardie soffit, which are both noncombustible because they’re both cementitious products, Effland says.
“We used the non-vented, smooth panels, which are an attractive way of closing up your soffits,” he says.
Before any products or systems were chosen for the VISION House Austin, the architects designed a home that would take advantage of breezes and lighting on the site to offset the brutal heat and humidity of Austin summers. In addition to configuring the floor plan to minimize heat gain, the exterior of the house includes overhangs that provide shade and a cooling effect.
“We started out by really understanding Peter's design, and as soon as we looked at the renderings it caught our attention,” Kolling says. “We recommended our Hardie Artisan Lap Siding, which has thicker boards that create these beautiful deep shadow lines that can really set a house apart.”
Hardie Artisan Lap Siding is two times as thick as the standard Hardie siding, Effland says.
“We were so excited to use that product because it adds depth and texture to the exterior of the house,” he says.
The VISION House also includes mitered corners, which Kolling says provides a very clean look and are possible with any Hardie Artisan Siding profile.
“James Hardie also provided us with their V-groove siding that we used as an accent material on the screen porch and the entry porch, where we originally thought we might use a wood product,” Effland says. “It’s great that they have a fiber cement product that looks as good as wood and has the noncombustible properties and sustainability we want.”
The Artisan line of products, which are only available primed, can be painted to compliment any color scheme, according to Kolling.
“We’re especially excited that Artisan Lap is showcased in the VISION House Austin because we just recently reintroduced it to the market,” Kolling says.
The Artisan line was discontinued for a few years because of the need to streamline products during the pandemic-related supply chain disruptions, but it is available again. Hardie Artisan Lap Siding was recognized by Green Builder Media as a 2024 Sustainable Product of the Year because of its lower carbon footprint and lower environmental impact over its lifecycle than traditional heavyweight building products, as well as its durability.
“Durability is sustainability and Hardie siding is durable and provides long-term performance,” Kolling says. “I know the low maintenance aspect was so important for this particular project, and so Hardie siding is a natural fit. The Georges will have this protection for their home that is durable and low maintenance but also looks beautiful.”
James Hardie provides a non-prorated, 30-year warranty on their fiber cement products.
“We do extensive testing through our research and development team and always have,” Kolling says. “That's how we know the products and how they perform, and that's how we're able to offer that warranty.”
*Hardie siding complies with ASTM E136 as a noncombustible cladding. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. Using noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, may help harden homes against external fires. In addition, Hardie products have a class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84.