How to Create a Beautiful, Durable Home Exterior

The VISION House Austin combines long-term resilience with curb appeal. giving homeowners Judi and Robert George a home that’s as low-maintenance as it is beautiful.

When Judi and Robert George envisioned their forever home, they wanted more than just elegant finishes and comfortable living spaces. They wanted a home that would perform brilliantly in the Texas Hill Country climate, support aging in place, reduce their energy bills, and free them from the burdens of upkeep. 

That dream became reality with VISION House Austin, a high-performance demonstration home designed in partnership with Green Builder Media and Barley|Pfeiffer Architecture.

One of the key contributors to the home’s long-term durability and effortless style is the James Hardie fiber cement siding and trim system. “We’re very familiar with Hardie,” said Robert. “We had some of the siding on our old home replaced years ago and chose Hardie back then. It held up beautifully—no issues at all. So, it was a no-brainer when we decided to select it for our new home.”

Performance That Withstands the Elements

Texas weather is known for its extremes: intense sun, heavy rain, and high humidity. That’s why the Georges were especially pleased with the way Hardie materials perform in exposed areas like their covered porch and exterior framing.  “We have used the Hardie products everywhere,” said Robert. “The siding, the soffits, the framing around the screens and doors—all of it. And because it’s a semi-open area that does get some rain, it was important to us that those materials wouldn’t warp or discolor. So far, we haven’t had any problems.”

The couple’s experience mirrors what many builders and architects know: Hardie’s fiber cement solutions offer unmatched dimensional stability, weather resistance, and protection from pests and fire, without sacrificing aesthetics.

Beauty That Elevates Everyday Living

While performance is essential, Judi emphasized how much the siding contributes to the home's overall look and feel. “It just looks nice,” she said. “Everything blends beautifully. It really complements the light, bright feeling we were going for throughout the interior and exterior.”

The VISION House Austin is surrounded by stunning hill country views and includes a well-loved screened-in porch and a show-stopping composite deck, so it was important that the exterior siding contribute to a seamless indoor-outdoor lifestyle. “We’ve had guests over, and they’ve all commented on how beautiful the home is, inside and out,” Judi said. “Hardie really helps complete that look.”

Low-Maintenance Living for Aging in Place

At the heart of the VISION House Austin design is the concept of aging in place. In their 80’s, Judi and Robert wanted to minimize day-to-day burdens like home repairs and exterior maintenance. 

“We’re at a point in life where we don’t want to worry about upkeep,” said Robert. “The James Hardie siding lets us focus on enjoying our home, not maintaining it.”

From its wide doorways and single-level layout to its solar-powered efficiency and durable finishes, every detail of the VISION House Austin was designed to create a comfortable, safe, and resilient home for decades to come. 

Watch the full interview with Judi and Robert and explore why resilient products are essential for next-gen sustainable homes.