Learn about Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville’s focus on climate-responsive design and eco-friendly homebuilding
An intuitive understanding of the land, a refined building process, and supportive client relationships have made Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville an award-winning favorite in Asheville, North Carolina, for 18 years. Each of the company’s eco-luxury mountain homes is masterfully imagined, designed, and built to the exact specifications of its owners. Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville’s unique approach has earned accolades and recognition at both the local and national level. President and Owner, Brandon Bryant, is a Master Certified Green Builder (MasterCGP) who takes pride in building healthy, environmentally sound, and sustainable homes in the mountains of Asheville.
“I started the company with a vision to build sustainable and green homes using offsite construction,” begins Bryant. “Then, the Great Recession of 2008 forced me to pivot slightly, though green building and sustainability remained core principles. Despite the challenges, we emerged stronger than ever. Over the last five years, we’ve grown to over ten employees, specializing in luxury custom home building with a focus on sustainability, but with a unique ‘rebel’ twist that sets us apart from traditional country club-style homes.”
The company has made a name for itself, standing out in the luxury homebuilding landscape. “By positioning ourselves as a leader in innovation and sustainable building practices, we’ve won a Department of Energy Innovation award four years in a row, making us one of only 23 builders in the U.S. to achieve this distinction,” says Bryant. “Beyond merely building a house, we consider ourselves storytellers who focus on the client experience. We take the time to understand why our clients are building a home and what they hope to achieve. This helps us guide and educate them on the health benefits of sustainable building practices and how their home can be more than just shelter.”
When it comes to incorporating eco-friendly features into its homes, the company has set a new standard. “Our building standard is a net-zero ready home that is prepared for solar energy. We ensure this standard by emphasizing air sealing and waterproofing. When it comes to air sealing, we focus heavily on indoor air quality, which in turn leads to energy efficiency as a byproduct,” explains Bryant. “We explain to clients what we plan to do and provide them with a solar and battery pricing estimate. This allows them to make informed decisions about the costs before construction begins. We also offer suggestions based on our expertise, although there are certain things on which we cannot compromise.”
Sustainability in action
Completed by Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville in August 2024, just two months before Hurricane Helene struck, Green Haven is a fully electric modern marvel of sustainable living located in the agrihood community of Olivette. Equipped with solar panels, back up batteries and a Span smart electrical panel, the home offers advanced energy management, seamlessly integrating with renewable energy systems for optimal efficiency. After Hurricane Helene devastated the region, Green Haven remained fully functional – a testament to the resilience and foresight of its design.
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene’s devastating impact on Asheville, Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville took swift action to prioritize the safety and well-being of its community. “Our first focus was checking in with past and current homeowners to ensure they were safe, and their homes remained intact. Remarkably, very little damage was reported across Red Tree-built homes – a testament to the strength and resilience of our climate-responsive designs,” says Bryant. 
“During the storm, some of our team members faced significant challenges, including evacuating due to floodwaters and worrying about their own homes. With cell service and communications down across the region, reconnecting was a challenge. When our team regrouped, we committed to volunteering weekly with a dedicated relief organization to support recovery efforts. Recognizing the emotional toll of the hurricane, we also prioritized mental health, providing resources and creating spaces for open conversations as we all worked through the collective trauma,” explains Bryant. “As we resumed operations, we learned that several of our vendors had lost their offices, deepening our resolve to show compassion and solidarity during the crisis. To further aid recovery, we dedicated a crew to help rebuild over 1,000 residential bridges in western North Carolina, collaborating with my father, a specialist in bridge construction in the region. Our mission has always been to create a positive and sustainable impact on the local community. Whether building climate-responsive homes or supporting recovery efforts, we remain steadfast in our commitment to making a lasting difference.”
Building resilience
Climate-responsive building focuses on designing homes that are tailored to their local climate, ensuring they are resilient, energy-efficient, and sustainable. This approach considers factors like temperature, weather patterns, and environmental challenges specific to a region. “I’ll soon be speaking at the International Builder Show on climate-responsive design, a topic close to my heart. We focus on practical solutions like rain gardens and effective stormwater management, as well as incorporating overhangs and gutter systems to manage heavy rains. I see this as an opportunity to leverage my position as a board member of the chamber to start a conversation with the local City Council about rebuilding with climate-responsive principles. It’s a conversation we need to have if we want to build sustainably and resiliently for the future,” Bryant shares.
Red Tree Builders-Alair Asheville’s commitment to climate-responsive design, sustainability, and the resiliency of its homes truly sets it apart in Asheville’s luxury homebuilding landscape.