By the way, our original design is the gray with hip roof and dormer on garage.

We definitely want a modern flair.

What is a "modern flair"?

By no means an architect, but it seems to me that there’s a lot going on with that facade. Lots of gables, window styles, roof lines, etc. I’d try to simplify. Given the options presented, the first iteration looks the best. Of course, the exterior design must follow what’s inside.

Alot going on... So, brick on sides and back but Hardie and stone on front? Thats alot of elements plus alot of gabels.

Consider removing the unneeded gable to start.

More columns.

Here is one way to do the garage/bonus room. Connects the 2nd floor with the house.

Out of those posted, I like #2 the best. It's pleasing to my eye, classic stone placement, doesn't unnecessarily highlight odd areas. It looks very nice with your elevation.

#1 - Eye jarring to me. All I see is the top half and the brick/stone combo looks odd.

#3 - Better than the competing brick/stone but the stone looks slapped on in weird spots.

#4 - Competing brick/stone, looks like non-brick areas were forgotten.

Again, only my opinions. You have a very nice front elevation! Having just finished our new build, I completely understand being in your shoes.

I think PPF nailed it. Removing that one gable simplifies the look and will be easier to build and control water run off as well. (Top version). Hardie siding is very low maintenance. Don’t know why you think it’s not. I have had it on two homes and an annual power washing kept it looking new. Excellent product. Just has to be installed properly since it is a cementuous product.

Seems like you've changed your mind a lot!

If "modern" is your goal, you need to greatly simplify, and begin by getting rid of all the builder's gables. A house like this screams "builder-drafters" house.

Modem has a lot of meanings to different folks, but in virtually all cases modern is devoid of stacked gables and add on decorative elements.

Here's a series of "modern" houses. Each is very different, but they all have in common refined, clean exteriors, devoid of extraneous knick-nacks and decorative fru-fru.

Good luck!

More is not the architectural term for modern. (Postmodern is another story!)

arch. Lorne Rose, Toronto.

Castlefield Ave. infill Toronto. 2019

Usually a classic architectural style combined with a modern flair with help from builder equal a train wreck. You're right on track.

Lmao Mark! You use language so fantastically.

Setting aside the exterior aesthetics of the home, from a purely practical point of view I want to emphasize what Patricia Colwell mentioned. I don't know what climate you live in, but all those many roof lines and angles are an invitation for water infiltration over time, especially if you have even minor freeze-thaw cycles. Since you mentioned you were concerned with the maintenance of the hardi, that is nothing compared to what the the roof maintenance and gutter maintenance will be, which will be constant.

On another note, have you given thought to what the second floor room interiors will look like? It appears that the rooms on the second floor will have ceilings with all kinds of angles, which makes decorating them and living in them more difficult.

Of the options posted, I like #2 the most also. But listen to PPF about simplifying!