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The Perch: Premium Siding for a One-of-a-Kind Treehouse Stay

Delivering both style and performance in this modern, elevated house experience, Chip Wade chose Hardie® Artisan® Siding and Trim to blend bold design with functionality and durability to bring his latest project to life.

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Chip Wade

When we set out to build The Perch at Pinhoti Peak, we wanted to create something extraordinary that would push the boundaries of modern design, while honoring the natural beauty of the Cohutta Wilderness.  

The Perch is what we call this development nestled in the North Georgia mountains. While not literal treehouses, these homes are structured among the trees, offering guests the feeling of elevated living in the surrounding natural environment. The Perch is more than just a collection of houses; it’s an immersive experience that showcases the perfect combination of unique, stunning design and durable materials.  

At the heart of The Perch are the materials that make it possible. Each treehouse has its own distinct design, showcasing the versatility and creativity of Hardie® products. 

Why I Chose Hardie® Products 

When it came to choosing siding for The Perch, Hardie® Artisan® Siding and Trim was the obvious choice. Offering gorgeous, deep shadow lines and extra thick boards, Hardie® Artisan® Siding and Trim are made to impress.  The 5/8-inch-thick Artisan® boards offer a substantial, architectural look that helped us define the bold, modern lines of the home.  

Three luxury treehouses make up The Perch, each named for a type of turkey: The Tom, The Jake, & The Jenny. While the houses share common design features rooted in natural materials and aesthetic appeal, each home has its own unique look. 

The Tom leans into a more masculine aesthetic with leather furnishings, wood tones and rugged finishes. Its bold exterior is comprised of Artisan® Lap Siding, primed and painted in Pittsburgh Paints Knight’s Armor. 

The Jenny offers a more feminine feel with floral accents, softer textures and an airy interior. We selected Hardie® Shingle, prefinished in Arctic White, paired with prefinished Hardie® Trim in Pearl Gray, to complement the serene vibe of the house.  

The Jake is a blend of traditional and contemporary design, grounded by primed Artisan® Lap Siding and accented with Hardie® Panel and Trim Batten to create a comfortable feel.  

Hardie® products offer both style and performance, giving us the confidence to be ambitious with our design, knowing the treehouses will hold up over time, even in the elements. 

Built to Withstand the Wild 

The houses will be exposed to Mother Nature all day, every day, for years to come. Weather, water, time and pests—all can lead to trouble. I wanted materials that could stand the test of time, not just in looks, but in strength.  

With Hardie® siding products that are Engineered for Climate®, I feel confident that these homes will be protected and look their best for the long haul. They resist damage from moisture, rot, pests, and warping, which makes them a perfect fit for a high-humidity zone like North Georgia. 

Working with James Hardie 

The James Hardie team was a key player in bringing this vision to life. From the early planning phases to the final installation, they provided insights, resources, and support that helped us get the most out of their products. 

Early on, the team met with me to better understand the geography and weather in the area, as well as how these structures would be built. This ensured the right products were selected to complement each house both aesthetically and functionally. 

They helped me navigate some of the design intricacies of the project, including customizing the product to complement bespoke features, like the circular window pictured at left. The James Hardie team truly understood the challenges of this build, from elevation and exposure to the demands of precision installation and helped us navigate every step. 

More Than a Treehouse 

The Perch isn’t just about aesthetics, it’s about creating a feeling, and allowing guests to walk into a space that’s thoughtfully designed and crafted, built to last and connected to its environment.  

 I’m thankful to James Hardie for making the vision of The Perch possible. Their products serve as a reminder that with the right materials and a bold design, you can build something truly unforgettable. 


Chip Wade