I would suggest going fire resistant for the entire exterior. I predict fire insurance company’s are going to get tougher cause their losing money. I like stucco for exterior. It does not do well in very cold temps. Fake rock is good cause it’s light. It needs to be placed over poultry wire at the least with a scratch coat of mortar, with minimum 1/2 sheet plywood. Do not use vinyl windows. Go with a heavy gauge steel roof . Look into radiant floor heating if you can afford it. It’s cheaper to operate, quiet , and creates no dust in the air. Try to face most of your windows on the south. If you use trusses, go with energy trusses that have a build up at the plate line to allow for full thickness insulation at the plate line. Build a home you can live there till you die. Easy access shower with no curb so you can shower by yourself or go in with a walker. Alan
