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.
To learn more about Triangle modernist homes as well as others in North Carolina, check out 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.
If you’re interested in designing a Modernist home you can contact us for our recommendations, or you can find a list of local architects through NC Modernist Houses. This nonprofit also helps to preserve the architectural style by getting the word out when one of the older mid century modern homes is about to be torn down.
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.
Nearly 8 acres on private lake! Downtown Cary, hiking trails, & more just a short drive away! Minutes from RTP & RDU Airport. Indoor pool with steam room, movie theater, ...
A rare opportunity to join Raleigh's only gated community currently under construction. This home has not been built yet; take this chance to design your dream home on ov...
A rare opportunity to join Raleigh's only gated community currently under construction. This home has not been built yet; take this chance to design your dream home on ov...
Ultra Custom Modern Home by Exeter Building Company Inside The Beltline! Expansive Great Room & Kitchen Spanning 60ft! Chefs Kitchen Features Wolf/Sub-Zero Appliances & S...
A rare opportunity to join Raleigh's only gated community currently under construction. This home has not been built yet; take this chance to design your dream home on ov...
A rare opportunity to join Raleigh's only gated community currently under construction. This home has not been built yet; take this chance to design your dream home on ov...
A rare opportunity to join Raleigh's only gated community currently under construction. This home has not been built yet; take this chance to design your dream home on ov...
Stunning Carpenter Gothic inspired luxury home, inspired by Southern vernacular architecture. Spec home is almost to permitting phase. .64 acre ITB lot located on quie...
Living Reimagined with Revolution Homes! North Hills homesite with 175 ft+ depth providing awesome backyard privacy, yet among it all! Next to North Hills Club but also...
CUSTOM ESTATE HOMES BY FRAZIER HOME DESIGN! 1st Floor Owners Suite & Study! Hardwoods thru Main Living! Kitchen: Oversized Island w/Quartz Bartop, SS Appliances Incl Gas ...
Pool Ready Lot Overlooking Pond on Adjacent Lot! 1st Floor Owner's Suite, Guest Suite & Study! 3 Car Garage! Hardwoods Thru Main Living! Kitchen: Oversized Quartz Island...
RETREAT! Sleek Phil Szostak-designed single-level CONTEMPORARY MODERN MASTERPIECE on 11 private acres just mins from DT Hillsborough * INSULATING CONCRETE FORM (ICF) cons...
Thoughtfully designed, Modern Downtown living,steps from Transfer Co Food Hall. 10’ ceilings,oversized windows,& a glassy open stair. Infused w/ daylight & views in all d...
Amazing opportunity to call this spectacular Lake Forest home your own! Known as the Victor A. and Libby Geulach House and designed by renowned architect Arthur Cogswell....
Fabulous Custom Home in Winston! Outdoor Living w/Masonry Fireplace-Log Lighter, 36" Coyote SS Gas Grill w/Infinity Burners & Access Doors. Brick Pavers on Porches.4" Whi...
1.29 Acre HomeSite Backing to OpenSpace! Finishd WalkOut Basement w/Huge Gaming/BilliardsRm w/42" Linear Fireplace, 1/2 Bath & BarArea w/"Eternal Calacatta Gold" Quartz! ...
Custom built home by Gray Line Builder. Great ranch plan with a basement on over 2 ac backing up to Falls Lake. The foundation is in so come now to make all your own se...
ONLY THREE LOTS LEFT! SAMPLE HOMES. Love "on trend" classic architecture? Opportunity to build a BOLD custom home in Chapel Hill's newest, exclusive community of modern S...
LOCATED BLOCKS FROM GLENWOOD SOUTH & CAMERON VILLAGE, THE SAINT IS NEWER CONSTRUCTION MODERN LUXURY AT ITS FINEST! MULTIFLOOR BROWNSTONE W/OPEN CONCEPT, SOARING WINDOWS ...
Ready in Spring 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome END UNIT by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2...
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome END UNIT by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2...
Just 1.5 miles from UNC this custom new construction home awaits your arrival. Take a stroll on the winding, tree-covered Morgan Creek Trail to arrive at the doorstep. Fr...
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
Ready in Spring 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
GORGEOUS Contemporary End unit @ Clark Townes! 3 bedrm 3 1/2 bathrm w/HUGE windows & abundance of natural light from 3 sides! Hardwoods! Gourmet kitchen, gas range, doubl...
AIA Design Award Winner/3 Awards! Designed by in situ studio .Built in 2018. Modern design featuring highest finish standards. Elevator & 2 car garage for easy living. Ch...
Ready in Summer 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
Ready in Spring 2023: this luxurious, 4-story, sleek, modern townhome by Homes By Dickerson features rooftop terrace w/ wet bar, elevator, courtyard w/ patio & 2-car deta...
ASK ABOUT $15,000 BUILDER INCENTIVE! Ready in Summer 2023: Homes By Dickerson's green-certified "Essington" plan w/ finished basement is situated on a HALF-ACRE WOODED ho...
Downtown Durham‘s luxury townhome community with final floorplan opportunities; estimated completion of January 2023. The Veranda floorplan is our popular duplex-style to...
Final Estate Lot remaining in Stonecrest by Norwood where you can enjoy country living luxuriously in the heart of everything just minutes from Chapel Hill in charming Pi...
Eight turnkey townhomes. Three thoughtful plans. One timeless collection. Every detail of The Dukes At City View was carefully considered, from elevated fixtures to elega...
Architecturally distinct, sophisticated, yet down to earth, 145 Fern Forest will no doubt be the talk of the town. Two years of custom creation and renovation is finally ...
Eight turnkey townhomes. Three thoughtful plans. One timeless collection. Every detail of The Dukes At City View was carefully considered, from elevated fixtures to elega...
Eight turnkey townhomes. Three thoughtful plans. One timeless collection. Every detail of The Dukes At City View was carefully considered, from elevated fixtures to elega...
Turn-key modern design meets uniquely urban locale at Row 12, coming to Eastern Downtown Raleigh. Boasting 4 BR, 4 BA, this new construction collective ensures metropolit...
Turn-key modern design meets uniquely urban locale at Row 12, coming to Eastern Downtown Raleigh. Boasting 4 BR, 4 BA, this new construction collective ensures metropolit...
New Construction. Get in on the ground floor of this custom 3BR/3.5BA townhome located in the heart of downtown Cary! This end unit home features such luxury amenities as...
The 4Cs. Captivating. Custom. Central. Clean lines. Architect Dynamic Design Group devised this modern marvel like no other. Impressive chef's kitchen with 48" range, 68"...
Breathtaking modernist home on 10+ acre, extremely private setting in Orange County.Includes detached living space (covered breezeway leading to) equipped w/ 2 flex space...
Inviting. Modern. Luxury! Welcome to 1309 Sycamore St, located in highly desired Mordecai! Architecturally curated layout to allow for streams of natural light through yo...
MODERN MEETS URBAN IN DOWNTOWN CARY IN THE NORTH ACADEMY DISTRICT! A COLLECTION OF FOUR NEW CUSTOM MODERN HOMES AWAITS YOUR SELECTIONS & DECOR. IT'S TIME FOR MODERN, DON'...
This modern farmhouse offers an open floor plan ideal for gathering in light-filled luxury. Deluxe details include huge windows, oak hardwoods, indoor AND outdoor firepl...
MODERN MEETS URBAN IN DOWNTOWN CARY IN THE NORTH ACADEMY DISTRICT! A COLLECTION OF FOUR NEW CUSTOM MODERN HOMES AWAITS YOUR SELECTIONS & DECOR. IT'S TIME FOR MODERN, DON'...
Custom built home by luxury builder, Shail Construction is COMPLETE! Come tour today!! The last and one of the largest lots in this adorable neighborhood, the lot backs u...
Absolutely stunning modernist home designed by award-winning local architect Thoughtcraft. Terrific location on private lot in downtown Carrboro's modernist enclave. A tr...
Beautiful Contemporary Modernist Proposed Mayo Lake Home. Four Bedroom 3.5 baths. Located on the Main Channel. Large Open living area w/ Isokern f.p. Designed to enjoy la...
CARY DOWNTOWN MODERN MASTERPIECE! "BOUNTIFUL" IS A MODERN, CLEAN-LINE-DESIGN FLOOR PLAN...OVERSIZED SOFFIT ROOFLINE OVERHANGS WITH DOWN-LIGHTINNG...CUSTOM PELLA WINDOWS &...
Just spectacular! Custom-designed & caringly-built modernist home right in downtown Carrboro. Enjoy treetop views through a wall of windows spanning 3 floors. Every detai...
MODERN MEETS URBAN IN DOWNTOWN CARY IN THE NORTH ACADEMY DISTRICT! A COLLECTION OF FOUR NEW CUSTOM MODERN HOMES AWAITS YOUR SELECTIONS & DECOR. IT'S TIME FOR MODERN, DON'...
Eight turnkey townhomes. Three thoughtful plans. One timeless collection. Every detail of The Dukes At City View was carefully considered, from elevated fixtures to elega...
MOVE IN READY!!! 3 STORY CUSTOM DESIGN W/ROOFTOP TERRACE IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH! Walking Distance to Farmer's Market, Trophy Brewing & Dorthea Dix Park! Large Natural Common...
Build this stunning modernist home designed by local Carrboro architects Jose Noya and Mike Dickson-Mills with Notch in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. Th...
Downtown Durham‘s exclusive townhome community with Phase 2 availability; estimated completion of December '22. Lot 11 is a Promenade END UNIT featuring a private rooftop...
Build this stunning modernist home designed by local Carrboro architects Jose Noya and Mike Dickerson-Mills with Notch in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. ...
Ready to move in January 2023! Corner Lot! Compares to homes over $1M. 4 Bedrooms (downstairs Master), 4 Bath/en suite. 3 Car Garage, front porch, Covered porch, 2 Bonus...
Striking Modernist home nestled on a private, wooded 2 acre lot. Cathedral ceilings, open, flowing floor plan and walls of windows make this a spacious, light-filled ret...
Downtown Durham‘s exclusive townhome community with Phase 2 availability; Est. completion of end of 12/22. Lot 8 is a Promenade unit featuring a private rooftop terrace w...
The ideal modern farmhouse floorplan. Spacious & efficient. Stylish & functional. A pre-construction opportunity just 1 block to Carrboro's farmer's market & 3 blocks to ...
Enjoy DOWNTOWN luxury living in this gorgeous NEW CONSTRUCTION CUSTOM BUILT home. This home is located a very short distance to DOWNTOWN RALEIGH! You will be in walking d...
Modern Home in Gorgeous Coveted Location! Features Modernist Kitchen w/Black Stainless Steel Built In Appliances & Faux Concrete Surround Fireplace! Incredible Owner's Su...
BRING YOUR HORSES-5.4 acres-private lot - NO HOA! This Farmhouse home plan is perfect! Private country setting! 3 bed + Bonus! Upgraded kitchen cabinets, granite countert...
3Br/3.5BA Luxury urban, stand alone townhome, within walking distance to Downtown Durham & the American Tobacco Trail! Scenic views from the private, rooftop terrace, boa...
Better than new and move-in ready. Incredible location near I-40, shopping, trails, hospitals and the Triangle's flourishing cities. 4 bedrooms. Waterfall Quartz in the k...
Build this one-level modernist home or the home of your dreams in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. This and all of the homes will be built to the National ...
Why wait and pay more for a townhome or condo when this detached home with no shared walls and low HOA dues is available now? Elegant modern homes in a neighborhood that ...
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...
Urban Living w/ Luxury 3Br/3.5BA, within walking distance to Downtown Durham & the American Tobacco Trail! Scenic views from the private, rooftop terrace, boasts abundant...
Gorgeous custom home in the heart of historic Mordecai! Experience luxury urban living and put your own touch on this spacious 5 bedroom, 3 bathroom home. This home is pe...
Move into your dream home NOW!. Hard to come by 5 bedroom home with the Owner's Retreat on the FIRST FLOOR. Storage Galore on first and second floor with 7 walk-in closet...
Start the new year with a brand new home! The Graylyn boasts 5 bedrooms with 1 guest bedroom on first floor, study, spacious upstairs retreat meant for a movie night or w...
Luxurious townhouse-style condo in the heart of the Triangle! Almost new with modern & contemporary touches at every turn - from the main level bedroom/ flex room with s...
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...
MOVE IN NOW! 10 ft ceilings with 8ft doors on first floor, wooden shelving in all closets plus pantry, hard surface treads and open railing on staircase, painted garage,...
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...
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...
BEAUTIFUL and completely remodeled Country Estate with lots of charm~ upgrades including new SS appliances throughout, new soft close cabinets throughout, new quartz coun...
Presale Opportunity in Downtown Raleigh! Duplex Living w/1-Car Garage & NO HOA! Luxury Hardwood Style Flooring Through Main Living! Kitchen: Calcutta Gold Quartz Countert...
Presale Opportunity in Downtown Raleigh! Duplex Living w/1-Car Garage & NO HOA! Luxury Hardwood Style Flooring Through Main Living! Kitchen: Quartz Countertops, Custom Sn...
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...
Prepare to start your new year off in this brand new construction home in the heart of Raleigh! This home features two stories, with a study or possible 4th bedroom on th...
Fixer in the Forest! It’s the summer of ‘69 and you just sat down in the groovy open concept living room of your brand new modernist deck house with a cup of joe in hand ...
Pocket cul-de-sac neighborhood of 11 new California Modern Homes. Modern aesthetic with timeless quality and wonderful open floor plan perfect for sharing with friends a...
Rooftop Terrace! Short Distance to Downtown Raleigh! Modern! These are just a few attributes of your future home. Located in the flourishing South Park area, this home pu...
PRICE DROP! Remarkable mid century modern inspired home near North Hills area. Completely renovated and custom designed by Otrada Design LLC. Let your guests awe in the c...
Ready 1st quarter of 2023, this green-certified Park Avenue 23' townhome in Wendell Falls, with Urban Loft curated design selections, is by locally-owned Homes By Dickers...
One of a kind, like new, FULLY upgraded, stunning former model home 15 min to RTP and 5 min to Beaver Creek Commons! This 3-Story home gives you a spacious open floor pla...
Ready 1st Quarter '23, this Manhattan 21'6 townhome in Wendell Falls is by locally owned Homes By Dickerson. 3 beds/ 3.5 baths + 2-car Garage w/ample storage, Guest Bedrm...
The Calvin is our newest townhome design featuring an impressive and functional kitchen with an oversized island that offers plenty of room for the home chef and food ent...
ONLY END UNIT AVAILABLE in CORNERSTONE. This modern end unit luxury 2-car garage townhome is vacant and move-in ready. Located in a prime Cary location with close proximi...
Modern chic 3 story West facing home in desirable Cary! Level yard w/patio perfect for pets/gatherings. Private main level office or bedroom w/bath and view of backyard. ...
Everyone this home is absolutely GORGEOUS inside!!! With classic cabinets and New quartz countertops, and all tile shower and backsplash, gives this home a new mid-centur...
Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build centrally located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP and Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River Stat...
Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build centrally located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP and Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River Stat...
New Construction located just a heartbeat away from Downtown Durham, Duke, RTP and Chapel Hill this 2 bedroom 2.5 bath Home sports a sleek modern design with many detai...
Ready January, 2023, this green-certified Modern Luxury Lincoln 20' townhome in Wendell Falls is by locally owned Homes By Dickerson. 3/3.5/2. Guest room, full bath, and ...
Designed with the modern buyer in mind. This thoughtful floorplan invites you to enjoy full use of the main floor while dining and entertaining. A soft glow of sunlight f...
Designed with the modern buyer in mind. This thoughtful floorplan invites you to enjoy full use of the main floor while dining and entertaining. A soft glow of sunlight f...
Introducing Pritchard Place Homes in Durham! 4 custom homes in a row with everything you need. Wonderful 3 bedroom floor plan with great open space downstairs ready for y...
Introducing Pritchard Place Homes in Durham! 4 custom homes in a row with everything you need. Wonderful 3 bedroom floor plan with great open space downstairs ready for y...
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