Indoor-outdoor living supports physical and mental wellbeing by connecting residents with nature and fresh air. Wellness architecture and biophilic design, with spaces carefully planned to be in tune with nature and yet resilient to climate impacts, are essential components of the VISION House Asheville.
The custom home under construction by Alair Asheville | Red Tree, a member of Alair Homes, North America’s largest custom home building and renovation franchise, is named “Harmony” for the beautiful way the residence will fit into its surroundings in the Beaverdam community in North Asheville.
Harmony will be more than beautiful: it’s designed to be resilient to climate extremes. James Hardie, as the Home of Resilient Beauty, is providing building materials that can withstand the local climate while matching the premium aesthetics that the designer for the home is seeking for the house from their Hardie, TimberTech and AZEK lines.
VISION House Asheville, a collaboration between Green Builder Media and Alair, will serve as a demonstration house to showcase building science innovations, wellness architecture and value per square foot, a metric that provides insights for home buyers and owners about long-term affordability and sustainability.
“James Hardie unites a family of premium exterior and outdoor living brands—including Hardie Siding, TimberTech Decking, Railing and Framing, and AZEK Exteriors Trim and Soffits,” says Sam Toole, chief marketing officer at James Hardie. “Our mission is to empower homeowners and professionals by delivering premium building materials solutions that unlock boundless design potential, reliable protection against the elements and long-lasting durability.”
The TimberTech materials used on the VISION House Asheville, including Advanced PVC decking, metal railing, and aluminum framing are designed for resilience to climate impacts that Asheville residents are too familiar with, including hurricanes, floods and wildfires.
“TimberTech products are engineered for lasting performance,” Toole says. “They’re built to endure for decades, delivering long-term beauty and reliable protection with minimal maintenance over their long, useful lives.”
Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Smart Data surveys find that homebuyers today focus on affordability, resilience and financial security for long-term value rather than upfront costs.
“Choosing TimberTech products can increase the value per square foot of a home thanks to their long-term durability, which minimizes replacement and significant repair and maintenance costs compared to less climate resilient materials like wood,” Toole says.
James Hardie, the largest vertically integrated recycler of PVC in the U.S., launched a first of its kind “FULL-CIRCLE” recycling program to collect and repurpose post-consumer construction site and remodeling PVC and vinyl scrap into its TimberTech and AZEK and TimberTech products. In addition, 100% of the wood fibers in TimberTech Composite decking collections are from recycled sources.
A well-designed and well-built home with sustainable products can contribute to the comfort, serenity and physical well-being of homeowners. While wellness is a priority for every generation, Green Builder Media’s COGNITION Smart Data found a variety of factors contribute to wellness, from physical, emotional and mental health to climate resilience and financial security.
At VISION House Asheville, outdoor living spaces will be enhanced with decking and cladding from the TimberTech Vintage Collection , which provides the look of premium hardwoods such as ipe, mahogany and teak, without the rigorous maintenance of wood.
“TimberTech Advanced PVC decking features proprietary technology that delivers sophisticated, real wood aesthetics, is resistant to moisture and fading, and is made with up to 65% recycled material,” Toole says.
Other benefits of TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking include:
TimberTech Advanced PVC Decking can be installed as cladding for unique, cohesive design applications, and will be featured on the front porch of VISION House Asheville. TimberTech Aluminum Framing and TimberTech Impression Rail Express® Railing will also be installed at VISION House Asheville.
“TimberTech Aluminum Framing is the best foundation for a long-lasting deck,” Toole says. “The substructure of a deck is crucial for its stability and longevity. A TimberTech Aluminum Frame means a beautiful, incredibly flat deck with superior performance for years to come.
Made with rust- and corrosion-resistant aluminum, TimberTech Aluminum Framing is also non-combustible and Class A Flame Spread Rated, making it an excellent choice for fire-prone areas including Asheville.
“The TimberTech Impression Rail Express railing offers sleek design potential and clear sight lines,” Toole says. “Made from powder-coated, non-combustible aluminum, this railing delivers a durable, corrosion- and fire-resistant design with stylish, wrought-iron-inspired aesthetics. Plus, its pre-assembled, panelized design makes install simple and straightforward.”
At VISION House Asheville, James Hardie products work together to demonstrate the possibilities for a more sustainable and resilient home. While this home is designed specifically for Asheville, the lessons generated by this collaboration can inform builders and homebuyers in any climate.