If you’re looking for modern homes for sale in the Triangle, you’re already a fan of the clean lines, flat roofs, and the many windows emphasizing natural light. The integration of the outside world with the interior of the house, the palettes that are mostly white or neutral - all the hallmarks of the modernist home.
What you might be surprised to know, however, is that the Triangle has the third-largest concentrations of Modernist homes in the country, after Los Angeles and Chicago. And there’s a reason for that!
Many mid century modernist houses were built in the area due to the vision of North Carolina State University School of Design founding dean Henry L. Kamphoefner. A modernist architect himself, he recruited internationally recognized architects to bring their design sensibilities - and house plans - to Raleigh.
One well-known commercial example is the J.S. Dorton Arena, designed by faculty member Matthew Nowicki. The arena is well known for its arch-supported roof which requires no steel supports and unobstructed views from each seat.
Kamphoefner also encouraged his faculty members to design and build houses for their families and friends, which led to many homes built across the area during the 1940s and 1950s.
The Rank residence: A “Modern Gothic” house designed by Tonic Design, a Raleigh company (source: http://www.tonic-design.com/rank-residence-2/).
Modern home architecture first began in the early twentieth century and gained popularity after World War II. Frank Lloyd Wright designed one of the first modern-style houses, the Fallingwater house, pictured below. Wright’s work, also known as prairie-style architecture, is probably the most recognizable American name for this style, although he was one of several significant architects working during this period, including Louis Sullivan, Mies van der Rohe, and Le Corbusier.
Modernist architecture covers a specific period, from the 1920s to the 1950s. A revolt against the ornate decoration of the Victorian era, modernist architectural style requires form to follow function. It brought a minimalist sensibility to both residential and commercial architecture that emphasized simplicity, the use of natural materials like metal, concrete, and stone, and the use of windows to connect the inside of the home with the outdoors.
For Wright, in particular, modernist residential design was intended to look natural in the landscape as if the home had always been there. In addition to Wright’s “Fallingwater,” his Wisconsin home, Taliesin, Welsh for “shining brow” was built on Wright’s favorite boyhood hill. Taliesin was built - and rebuilt - after fire twice destroyed the original structure.
Wright’s Fallingwater House (source: http://www.archdaily.com/60022/ad-classics-fallingwater-frank-lloyd-wright/).
The choice of materials used reflects the functional design of Modernist homes - stone, glass, reinforced concrete, and steel. Primarily, modernist homes are meant to simplify the living space with open floor plans, hardwood floors, and large glass installations.
Sometimes home buyers are surprised at how warm modernist homes “feel” on the inside. But the use of the chosen materials was never meant to reflect austerity, but was instead a result of the revolutionary technological advances in building materials which enabled structures to be built stronger and taller - yet lighter.
The open floor plans were meant to serve the families who lived there and emphasized spaces that were going to be used most often. This was in sharp contrast to the past era’s more “formal” and closed-off rooms that were hardly ever used.
Modernist architecture is not the same as Contemporary architecture, which features more wood and vaulted ceilings. Although the two terms are often used interchangeably, and while it’s certainly odd to associate “modern” with house design that’s nearly a century old, Contemporary refers to 21st-century architecture.
It reflects the ever-changing trends and while the style often borrows from multiple different past eras, Contemporary is a forward-thinking style that also incorporates the latest in technology and design aesthetics.
And what about mid century modern, which is certainly a popular home decor style right now? There was a mid century modern architectural style that featured a more futuristic outlook than the earlier designs. But the reality is that most of these homes followed the Modernist approach to a great degree. Our use of the term mid century modern today most often refers to interior design.
Some popular neighborhoods including modern homes can be found around Eastwood Lake in Chapel Hill, such as Coker Hills and Lake Forest. Other modernist hot spots in Chapel Hill include Farrington Hills and Laurel Hill.
In Durham, the main hotspot is in Duke Forest, although you can find modernist homes scattered throughout downtown and in neighborhoods like Trinity Park and Forest Hills.
Raleigh features several neighborhoods that have modernist homes as well, including Country Club Hills, Hayes Barton, Lake Anne, and North Hills.
If you’re interested in designing a Modernist home you can contact us for our architect recommendations! I have designed several modernist homes and have sold some of them as well. I usually have one or two modernist homes under construction every year to be sold in the Raleigh/Durham area and would be happy to tell you about them.
To learn more about Triangle modernist homes as well as others in North Carolina there is also North Carolina Modernist Houses, a nonprofit dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting Modernist houses. Unfortunately, many modernist houses have fallen into disrepair over the years, and many are torn down as the land they occupy becomes more valuable than the structures themselves.
Below is a complete list of Modernist homes for sale in the Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill areas. Please feel free to Contact Us if you have any real estate questions or are interested in seeing any of these homes.
Oberlin Heights is here to overdeliver. Designed by award-winning firm The Raleigh Architecture Co. and crafted by local builders, the collection echoes quintessential Oa...
Oberlin Heights is here to overdeliver. Designed by award-winning firm The Raleigh Architecture Co. and crafted by local builders, the collection echoes quintessential Oa...
Oberlin Heights is here to overdeliver. Designed by award-winning firm The Raleigh Architecture Co. and crafted by local builders, the collection echoes quintessential Oa...
One of Fearrington's Finest! One-of-a-kind, single-level, open, airy, Jon Condoret-designed modern gem w/architectural details galore *** Dazzling newer kitchen w/Dacor ...
Feel like you're on vacation when you come home to this gorgeous home in a tranquil oasis so close to town! Highly acclaimed architect's personal home has special touches...
NEW PRICE!! This custom built beauty has 5 bed/4 Bath popular Aspen plan by Ashton Wood has too many upgrades to mention. See details in the documents. The house sits hig...
Featured in Dwell magazine's January 2021 issue. Designer/developer Hylton-Daniel's third creation in a series of modernist homes designed and built just for Durham. Comp...
721 Jones Ferry Road is a one-of-a-kind modern masterpiece, designed by award-winning local architect Philip Szostak. This NC modernist featured home is on 4 acres, 5 min...
Welcome to the epitome of luxury living in this stunning modernist Utopia! Step into the grandeur of the first floor, where a lavish primary bedroom awaits, offering unpa...
Welcome to the newest addition to Durham's vibrant landscape - a modern townhome community that seamlessly blends urban living with the charm of the South. Nestled in the...
Nestled within a secluded cul-de-sac subdivision, this luxury Modernist masterpiece boasts four bedrooms, alongside a convenient one-half bathroom. Spanning across 2,783 ...
Nestled within a secluded cul-de-sac subdivision, this luxury Modernist masterpiece boasts four bedrooms, alongside a convenient one-half bathroom. Spanning across 2,783 ...
Welcome to this luxurious modernist home, boasting 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, with the primary bedroon and an additional bedroom conveniently situated on the first floor....
Welcome to this luxurious modernist home, boasting 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, with a Primary Bedroom and an additional bedroom conveniently situated on the first floor. Nest...
Welcome to this luxurious modernist home, boasting 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, with a Primary Bedroom and an additional bedroom conveniently situated on the first floor. Nest...
Welcome to this luxurious modernist home, boasting 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, with One bedroom conveniently situated on the first floor. Nestled just minutes away from the ...
This stunning end unit townhome offers an open-concept living space with strategically placed windows to capture panoramic views of downtown Raleigh. Designed with modern...
You have to see this new build with a modern twist! Outside you'll love the covered walkway, with cantilevered awning and the curb appeal of the large scale, energy effic...
Experience luxury living in this 3 story, expansive 2700+ sqft END UNIT townhome, ideally situated Between Tree light square and Downtown Wendell as you step inside, you ...
Stunning modern new construction home from local custom builder. Prime Downtown Raleigh location. Just a few blocks from Historic Oakwood and great shopping & dining on P...
Gorgeous move-in ready Contemporary build within a few short blocks of downtown Raleigh! This unique 4 bedroom 3.5 bath home features: a first floor bedroom with ensuite...
Sophisticated Modernist home on almost 4 private acres in Raleigh, NC - a premier city showcasing innovation, growth and a high standard of living. This one-of-a-kind cus...
ATTENTION INVESTORS and VISIONARIES! Stunning, Custom, First-Of-Its-Kind Nomad House. Owner is selling this incredibly special furnished single-family home, as the st...
Urban living at its finest! This unique floor plan features top-floor gathering spaces, including an open-concept kitchen, dining room, and family room, which flow beauti...
Nestled within a secluded cul-de-sac subdivision, this luxury Modernist masterpiece boasts four bedrooms, alongside a convenient one-half bathroom. Spanning across 2,783 ...
Nestled within a secluded cul-de-sac subdivision, this luxury Modernist masterpiece boasts four bedrooms, alongside a convenient one-half bathroom. Spanning across 3,478 ...
Nestled within a secluded cul-de-sac subdivision, this luxury Modernist masterpiece boasts four bedrooms, alongside a convenient one-half bathroom. Spanning across 2,783 ...
Experience the epitome of luxury living in this stunning 34-acre gated estate, bordering the tranquil Little River. Expand your possibilities with an additional 41+ acres...
Get ready to fall in love with this upcoming single-story mid-century modern gem in Durham, NC! Situated on a spacious lot spanning .44 acres, this meticulously crafted r...
Modern semi-detached house with a fenced yard & garage! Quality finishes throughout! Featuring quartz counters, prof. cafe appliances 36'' gas range, 8 ft solid core door...
The Tessa presents an open-concept layout seamlessly blending living and entertaining spaces. From the kitchen to the main family room, this versatile design allows for l...
Welcome to E End Residences, a Cutting Edge Boutique Community in a Prime Durham Location! 8'' WidePlank Waterproof HWDStyle Flooring ThruOut 1st Flr & Upstrs Hall w/HWD ...
Presale Opportunity with LTB Construction in University Park! Seize the opportunity to have a quality custom home built by LTB and customize this well-designed plan by D...
Convenient Location: Strategically positioned, this community provides easy access to Durham's key attractions. Short walks to Durham Bulls Stadium, Tobacco Road, Downto...
Move-In Ready. Row 12 boasts a dozen single-family DTR homes delivering an unparalleled urban lifestyle with undeniable charm. Boasting 4 BR & 4 BA - every plan prioritiz...
Move-In Ready. Row 12 boasts a dozen single-family DTR homes delivering an unparalleled urban lifestyle with undeniable charm. Boasting 4 BR & 4 BA - every plan prioritiz...
Move-In Ready. Row 12 boasts a dozen single-family DTR homes delivering an unparalleled urban lifestyle with undeniable charm. Boasting 4 BR & 4 BA - every plan prioritiz...
Move -In Ready. Row 12 boasts a dozen single-family DTR homes delivering an unparalleled urban lifestyle with undeniable charm. Boasting 4 BR & 4 BA - every plan prioriti...
Move-In Ready. Row 12 boasts a dozen single-family DTR homes delivering an unparalleled urban lifestyle with undeniable charm. Boasting 4 BR & 4 BA - every plan prioritiz...
Durham is one of the south's fastest growing & hottest markets. At 1100 Manor Way, you can watch the city expand from your 660sqft rooftop terrace overlooking the heart o...
Dynamically Designed Custom Home by Crane Builders! Situated on a Private .68 Lot in Fairfax Hills! HWDs through Main Living & Up the Floating Staircase! Upgraded Pella...
To be built 3,289 SF townhome with finished basement. November completion. Bosch stainless steel appliances, Wellborn cabinetry with soft close door and drawers, 9' ceil...
This 4-bedroom, 3-car garage modern house plan has a low-profile exterior and high-style interior with its massive windows and designer finishes. A central open-concept c...
Welcome to Southpoint Landing where elegance & beauty meet modern functionality. Conveniently located off 751/I40 & just minutes from Duke, UNC, RTP, RDU, Downtown Durham...
THE WAIT IS OVER!! 18 High-end Townhomes in the Heart of Five Points, Finished Private Roof Top, Elevator in each home, High End Finishes and Fixtures, WOLF Gas Range wi...
THE WAIT IS OVER!! 18 High-end Townhomes in the Heart of Five Points, Finished Private Roof Top, Elevator in each home, High End Finishes and Fixtures, WOLF Gas Range wi...
THE WAIT IS OVER!! 18 High-end Townhomes in the Heart of Five Points, Finished Private Roof Top, Elevator in each home, High End Finishes and Fixtures, WOLF Gas Range wi...
THE WAIT IS OVER!! 18 High-end Townhomes in the Heart of Five Points, Finished Private Roof Top, Elevator in each home, High End Finishes and Fixtures, WOLF Gas Range wi...
This home site is owned by Exeter Building Company and is being sold as a pre-sale Rare opportunity to own an award winning Exeter Building Company home in North Raleigh...
Indulge in the opulence of upscale living, The Linville, 3 story, spacious 2100+ sqft townhome, ideally situated in the middle of everything going on in Wendell. As you s...
Step into the ultimate luxury living experience of your magnificent 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath town home. You'll be captivated with the expansiveness of the main living space a...
Experience luxury living in this expansive 2400+ sqft end unit townhome, ideally situated Between Treelight square and Downtown Wendell As you step inside, you are greete...
Modern home with all the bells and whistles. Metal exterior handrails, modern tile, quartz tops, upgraded lights and electrical fixtures. Loaded with natural light modern...
Modern home with all the bells and whistles. Metal exterior handrails, modern tile, quartz tops, upgraded lights upgraded electrical fixtures, Loaded with natural light ....
Stylish & Contemporary with modern finishes, including quartz countertops, brushed nickel plumbing fixtures, stain-resistant flooring, and large windows! This tri-level h...
This is a home site owned by Exeter Building Company and to be sold as a home and lot package. Home planned to be built is the Dover (see MLS docs for plan) or choose on...
Ready in April: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome END UNIT by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car d...
Ready in March: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car detached g...
Ready in March! This luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car detached g...
Ready in April: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car detached g...
Ready in April: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car detached g...
Modern Sanctuary By The Golf Course! Construction is scheduled to BEGIN in March on The fourth of four curated homes nestled next to Raleigh Country Club. Soaring...
Modern Sanctuary By The Golf Course! Construction is scheduled to BEGIN in March on The fourth of four curated homes nestled next to Raleigh Country Club. Soaring...
Beautiful new construction with sleek and modern finishes! Three bedroom, two and a half bath with amazing finishes! Gorgeous Stagecraft Picket backsplash, quartz coun...
CUSTOM MODERN BUILD BY LOCAL BUILDER LILIUM HOMES! 1st Floor Owner's Suite & Private Study! Wide Plank HWDs Thru Main Living! Kit: White Quartz CTops, Cstm Stained Cbnts ...
This modern Scandinavian-style house plan offers over 4300sf of living space w/ 4 BR, 4 full BA + 2 half baths on almost 2 acres. The open flr plan allows natural light t...
Step into this modern and open-concept David Weekley Home in the popular neighborhood of Chatham Park. Top-quality craftsmanship from the Triangle home builder, featur...
Sleek new construction with LVP flooring! Two bedroom with office/bedroom flex space, three full baths one half bath, open first floor plan great for entertaining, l...
A brand new construction home with a Raleigh skyline view just completed. Modern architectural detail coupled with luxurious interior styling highlight this sophisticated...
Welcome to E Main Residences, a Cutting Edge Boutique Community in a Prime Durham Location! Upstairs HUGE Wlk Out Terrace Overlooking the City! City Park One Block Away! ...
Welcome to E Main Residences, a Cutting Edge Boutique Community in a Prime Durham Location! Upstairs HUGE WlkOut Terrace Overlooking the City! City Park One Block Away! T...
Welcome to E End Residences, a Cutting Edge Boutique Community in a Prime Durham Location! Tankless H20 Htr! 8'' WidePlank Waterproof HWDStyle Flooring ThruOut 1st Flr & ...
Breathtaking modernist home on 10+ acre, extremely private setting in Orange County.Includes detached living space (covered breezewayleading to) equipped w/ 2 flex spaces...
Luxury downtown living at its finest! Located in the heart of the Village District, this showstopper is walkable to dining, retail, fitness and parks! Featuring a main le...
NICE REMODELED 3 BED ROOM TWO FULL BATH HOUSE, FIRST FLOOR BED ROOM CAN BE USED AS MASTER, NEW KITCHEN CABINETS,GRANITE COUNTER TOPS, BIG GRANITE ISLAND, STAINLESS APPLIA...
This is home one of three custom designs in the Mayview Collection. Designed by Tony Frazier, 2421 Mayview is brought to life by renowned DJF Builders boasting nearly 30...
A few miles to downtown Carrboro on approximately 1.3 forested acres, Beacon is a new three-home Zinn Design Build neighborhood surrounded by established communities, pas...
Discover Greener pastures in Greenbrae. Chapel Hill's newest luxe locale, Greenbrae's scenic sweeping acreage comprises 11 homesites. Let Carol Ann Zinn of Zinn Design Bu...
2,360 sqft between main home and 2nd floor of detached garage. Custom built home tucked away on a private .8 acre lot close to Brier Creek and DT Durham. This home boasts...
Discover the epitome of luxury living ready-to-move-in townhome. Nestled in the new Parc Townes at Wendell community, this residence offers a serene escape for ultimate ...
Welcome to a serene riverside retreat nestled in the heart of Chatham County. This stunning property spans over 21 acres along the banks of the picturesque Haw River, off...
*STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION! Due to be completed by May 2024. The floorplan is flipped from the house next door, 1360 Geneva Albright, so go check out MLS #5385030. Some O...
Step into the ultimate luxury living experience of your magnificent 4 bedroom, 3 ½ bath town home. You'll be captivated with the expansiveness of the main living space a...
POOL READY LOT! 10' Ceilings, Coved Crwn & Wide Plank HWDs Thorughout 1st Flr Living! Kit: Cstm Painted Flr to Ceiling Stacked Cbnts w/Soft Close & Under Cbnt Lghtng, Dsg...
Welcome to this charming 3 bed 2.5 bath home nestled in the heart of Durham. Strategically located in a reviving neighborhood, offering proximity to downtown amenities a...
Modern French Country estate home by Triple A Homes is located on 2.73 acres in highly desirable Riverstone Estates and offers Universal Design elements that welcome all....
Welcome to a modernist dream home - a new design being brought to life by RDG the home will have 2,547 sq ft of sophisticated design & comfort, nestled just a short dista...
recherché - rare, exotic, or obscure | Define your lifestyle in these new, modern, nearly maintenance-free townhomes developed by award-winning Grayson Homes with ultra-s...
Modern English Tudor style home with a charming courtyard front entrance. Flat lot near all the amenities - golf clubhouse, restaurant/bar, pool, gym, tennis/basket/volle...
MODERN URBAN CUSTOM BUILDER PRE-SALE! MISSION BAY OFFERS WFH SPACES, OPEN PLAN W/CLEAN LINES & NATURAL LIGHT. CUSTOMIZE WITH A PRE-SALE INCLUDING AN OPTIONAL 3RD-FLOOR OR...
Custom Built by Copper Builders in Established Subdivision with Awesome Amenities & Schools! Design Packages Available! Main Level Guest Suite/Study! Kit: w/Cstm White Pa...
Prime Opportunity to customize this award winning plan close to North Hills by Homestead Building Company! Perfect Pool Lot with Private Rear Entrance to Home with Pool B...
Elegantly designed & modernly inclined, The Dukes At City View offer an unmatched vantage point of premier Downtown living. This timeless collection epitomizes urban luxu...
*SPRING FORWARD BUYER'S SPECIAL AVAILABLE! PRESALE OPPORTUNITY with Copper Builders in Established Subdivision with Awesome Amenities & Schools! Design Packages Available...
As one of the first Net Zero-Ready townhomes in Downtown Raleigh – IDYLE pioneers a new era of sustainable modernism. Designed by award-winning The Raleigh Architecture C...
MODERN FARMHOUSE URBAN CUSTOM BUILDER SPEC...MORE DETAILS COMING AS PLANS ARE SUBMITTED - FIRST FLOOR MASTER PLAN! NOT IN BUILDING PROCESS YET, SHOULD BREAK GROUND 4/1/20...
Directions to Durham’s best? Next stop - North & Broadway. Twenty-four turnkey townhomes offer 24/7 access to the best bites, coldest brews, and hottest Bull City offerin...
Completely modern designed signal family home! Open & inviting floorplan with clean lines, modern finishes and natural light. 3 bedroom/2.5 bath home with it's own unique...
Custom Contemporary Build in West Raleigh Location! Walking Distance to PNC Center, Carter Finley & NC Fairgrounds! HWDs Through Main Living! Kitchen offers Large Charcoa...
Stunning Modern Design Nestled In The Heart Of It All- This curated Modern 5 bedroom 5 bath home located in the heart of 5 Points welcomes you with warm natural light fil...
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