Presented by the National Association of Home Builders, the Best in American Living Awards (BALA) recognize excellence in residential design, construction, and innovation from across the country. In 2025, five members of the Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains (BABRM) earned national recognition, with projects receiving Silver Awards across a number of highly competitive categories.
“Our members continue to demonstrate what’s possible when craftsmanship and innovation come together,” says Megan Carroll, Executive Officer of BABRM. “These nationally recognized projects show that builders in our region are not only responding to today’s housing needs, but helping define the future of residential design and construction.”
A strong throughline among this year’s BALA Silver winners is a commitment to sustainability. That approach is exemplified by Alair Asheville | Red Tree, which earned two Silver Awards for custom homes that pair high-performance building standards with real-world livability.
“It’s an incredible honor to be recognized on the national stage,” says Brandon Bryant, partner at Alair Asheville | Red Tree. “Winning a Best in American Living Award is always special, but having two homes recognized reinforces our core belief that sustainable building starts with great design—a home that works with the land and becomes part of the community fabric.”
Other award-winning projects push the boundaries of what spec homes, historic restorations, and design-forward details can achieve.
“These projects reflect the best of what our members do every day,” Carroll says. “They combine thoughtful design, technical excellence, and a deep respect for place.”
2025 BALA Silver Award Winners
From modern mountain retreats to carefully restored historic homes, this year’s honorees reflect the depth of talent shaping our region. BABRM congratulates the following members and projects recognized with 2025 BALA Silver Awards:
- Best Detached Home, 4,501-6,000 Square Feet: Casa Bonita in Hendersonville by Living Stone Design + Build
- Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home, 6,001-8,000 Square Feet: Zen Mountain Haven in Asheville by Living Stone Design + Build
- Best Design Detail: Hidden Falls in Flat Rock by Living Stone Design + Build
- Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home, 2,001-3,000 Square Feet: The Perch in Asheville by Alair Asheville | Red Tree
- Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home, 3,001-4,000 Square Feet: Valley Haven in Asheville by Alair Homes | Red Tree
- Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home, 4,001-5,000 Square Feet: Turkey Ridge Residence in Fletcher by Carlton Edwards Construction
- Best Historic Preservation and Restoration: Alpine Farmhouse in Little Switzerland by Buchanan Construction
- Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home, 5,001-6,000 Square Feet: Kanuga Overlook in Greenville, S.C., by Bluestone Construction
- Best Design Detail: Kanuga Overlook in Greenville, S.C., by Bluestone Construction
Join an Award-Winning Network
Becoming a BABRM member means joining a community committed to quality, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Members gain access to education, advocacy, networking, and marketing opportunities that support long-term success. If you are ready to grow alongside the region’s leading building professionals, we invite you to join today.
