I've spent more than a year reading about vinyl vs aluminum and agonizing over the decision. Currently, I have aluminum. Am not a fan of wrapping my house in plastic. What I found was: - aluminum would be more expensive (at least in my area) - aluminum takes paint far better, if you want to change the color - aluminum can dent, vinyl can sag - vinyl has more brands and levels of quality available (even CR ratings) - vinyl has more far color choices available - fewer installers have experience putting up aluminum - could not find good data comparing color fading in vinyl vs aluminum Just decided, 2 days ago, to go with vinyl - because of cost & color choice. Sure hope I don't regret it. Good luck. Please keep us posted as to what you decide.

Ive been building for 30 years and have used different brands of fiber board. I have questions presented to me about pros and cons frequently. Since we all have internet access and can research products, it helps compare. What the online comparisons do not tell you is how it really holds up. Lets say you go with a less expensive concrete fiber board and your builder installs it -pre primed but cannot get it painted for two months. If it is rainy where you live-DO NOT DO IT. Moisture will absorb into the fiberboard and thus ruin the pre primed finish and thus void your warranty. The only time you want the LP Smart siding or similar product is if you will get paint on it immediately-never let it get wet until painted, or you just want to save the money upfront and risk the consequences. I have used combinations in some cases at request of owners. When scraps have been thrown into a pile together, by time we cleaned up and hauled off-you can see how the products, other than James Hardi siding-fell apart ( yes-fell apart from moisture). I do not discourage smart siding or similar-just be cautious and handle materials properly. Done right, they are all beautiful.

Take a look at the board and batten homes here. There are some good examples how to mix it up. I think you ideas sound interesting, although I would not do white doors. I am not a fan of the stacked small stone, If you do clad use a veneer that looks like stone that could be used to build a foundation. Otherwise, just stucco and paint to match your siding. This space uses a mix of siding.

@JosephWatkins We are currently in same position. We have samples of Celect Cellular Composite Board & Batten and the Everlast BB. We like the Celect better. We are also considering Steel Board and Batten panels. The steel would be our 1st choice. Just hard to get information on all of them.