A modern exterior for a historic home

Historic preservation is not merely about aesthetics. It’s about honoring the cultural, emotional, and architectural legacy embedded in our built environment. According to the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Why Old Places Matter survey, 75% of respondents preferred the appearance of old buildings over new ones, underscoring the enduring appeal of historic architecture.

These structures offer more than visual charm; they provide continuity, identity, and a sense of place that modern design alone cannot replicate.

Architects play a pivotal role in bridging the past and the future. Community-led preservation efforts across the country have demonstrated how thoughtful design can revitalize neighborhoods, foster civic pride, and promote sustainability. By integrating modern resilience with historic character, we not only protect our architectural heritage but also inspire future generations through design that respects its roots.

Queen of Zero: A Victorian home designed to meet challenges ahead

Rebuilding a historic home to be future-ready is a challenge. In the Queen of Zero project in Prince George’s County, Maryland, Symbi Homes, Romero Architects, and the Journal of Light Construction preserved the history and beauty of the late 19th century while building resilience for the climate reality of the 21st.

A fire destroyed the location’s original Victorian home, and the homeowner decided to rebuild an almost exact replica within the historic neighborhood, which sits just outside the nation’s capital. That replica is the Queen of Zero.

“When you’re a high-performance builder like we are, the attention to detail is incredibly important,” said Nicole Tysvaer, CEO of Symbi Homes. “We build in a way that’s mutually beneficial for people and planet. We focus on a holistic vision of sustainability, everything from energy and water efficiency to low-embodied carbon materials to reducing waste on a jobsite.”

When it came to the important details of the home’s exterior, the team sought products that maintained a historically accurate look while also offering resiliency and durability to help withstand harsh weather and natural disasters. Queen of Zero showcases James Hardie’s Hardie Plank, Hardie Panel, Hardie Trim, and Hardie Artisan V-Groove siding.

“The Queen of Zero is inherently beautiful because it connects us to the past but is the best version of what we can do now with modern building materials,” said Michael Romero with Romero Architects.

The team is seeking Zero Energy Ready Home certification for the project. They are building the home for resilience and durability and to be 85–95% more efficient than typical new homes. Its features include solar shingles, energy-efficient heat pumps, and structurally insulated panels.

Durability and Resilience in Modern Building

Not only does James Hardie offer a wide variety of products and textures that match the aesthetics and profiles of historic home designs, but many of the company’s products also have environmental product declarations (EPDs). In 2024, James Hardie was selected as one of 10 Eco Leaders by staff members at Green Builder who surveyed 30 companies that have invested in EPDs.

“To us, it isn’t beautiful if it isn’t lasting,” said Amanda Cimaglia, vice president of sustainability at James Hardie. “Hardie fiber cement products are Engineered for Climate, and it is more important than ever to choose products that protect what matters most, inside and outside your home.”

James Hardie is also committed to sustainability throughout its operations, driving efficiency through water, energy, and raw materials usage, recovering as much as possible. At the same time, James Hardie delivers products that make homes and communities more resilient.

“With the Queen of Zero project, choosing materials that last a really long time is an important thing,” said Tysvaer. “We don’t want to build with things that are going to end up in a landfill in 20 to 30 years.”

Engineered for Climate

To be future-ready, a modern home must weather the challenges presented by a changing climate. Queen of Zero’s exterior features the Hardie Zone System, which provides siding options with climate-specific performance formulations. It creates a substrate that is specifically engineered to resist cracking, shrinking, and swelling. Because of this, Hardie fiber cement products are built to withstand the harshest weather conditions and resist damage from fires*, floods, and other natural disasters.

“The Hardie product is a perfect fit for this kind of project. It has the durability and resilience we look for as a sustainable builder,” said Tysvaer. “We were able to match the historic character and at the same time embrace technology and innovation.”

Learn more about James Hardie products at www.jameshardie.com.

*Hardie® fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, may help harden a home against external fire.

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