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, ...
Modern Urban Estate w/Separate Luxury Casita on NRCC 6th Green! Casita w/Private Apartment Style Spaces w/Bedroom, Kitchenette, Large Flex Space & Pool Bath! Main House h...
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...
Custom Joseph Trojanowski Design Modern Home w/In-Ground Pool, Fenced Rear Yard, 1st Floor Owner's Suite, Guest Suite & Study! Kitchen: w/48" Thermador 6-Burner Range w/G...
BUILD-TO-SUIT ITB PRE-SALE OPPORTUNITY. Build our Stunning Carpenter Gothic design or bring your own plan. .64 acre ITB basement lot located on quiet internal street in ...
THIS IS THE ONE. Why wait for your new Modern Home to be built, when here's your chance to get it now? Custom built by Concept 8 in Spring 2022, this Modernist Home with ...
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 ...
RETREAT! Sleek Phil Szostak-designed single-level CONTEMPORARY MODERN MASTERPIECE on 11 private acres just mins from DT Hillsborough * INSULATING CONCRETE FORM (ICF) cons...
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! ...
Modern sophistication meets functionality in this ALL BRICK custom built home in perfect Durham location, close to downtown and upcoming Northgate Mall mixed use campus. ...
Custom Built Modern Prairie Style Home on 1.13 Acre Homesite! Turnkey by A.R. Newton Custom Homes! 1st Floor Owner's & Guest Suite! 3 CAR GARAGE! Hardwoods Through Main L...
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...
Custom,Modern,Luxurious End Unit Townhome, High End Finishes & Fixtures from Top to Bottom,Floor to Ceiling Windows w/ a plethora of Natural Light. Canadian Poplar & Blac...
Welcome to The Farm.This one of a kind architectural home sits on 38 elevated acres with over 3,000 SqFt of finished living space and surrounding countryside views. Get d...
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 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 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 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...
A modernist masterpiece! Blocks from Eastwood Lake, in the heart of Chapel Hill. Exquisite style and location, reconstructed with the utmost quality, creating stunning ro...
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...
Incredible opportunity to own custom built new construction home on the last lot in desirable Hope Valley North. Uncompromising quality & modern, luxurious finishes throu...
The most spectacular new construction in Chapel Hill - and only 1.5 miles from UNC's campus! Take a stroll on the winding, tree-covered Morgan Creek Trail to arrive at t...
Downtown Durham‘s luxury townhome community with final floorplan opportunities; estimated completion of January 2023. The Veranda floorplan is our popular duplex-style to...
Welcome to 1424 and 1426 Banbury Rd with views overlooking Beaver Dam Park. These two gorgeous homes are built by Hayes Barton Homes. Drawn by Raleigh Architects, Frazier...
Welcome to 1424 and 1426 Banbury Rd with views overlooking Beaver Dam Park. These two gorgeous homes are built by Hayes Barton Homes. Drawn by Raleigh Architects, Frazier...
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...
New Construction. Get in on the ground floor of this custom 3BR/3.5BA townhome located in the heart of downtown Cary! This home features such luxury amenities as an eleva...
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'...
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...
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 &...
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'...
Elevate you lifestyle in these new, modern, maintenance free townhomes developed by award winning Grayson Homes and the ultra stylish design and interior selections by Ve...
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...
Construction has begun in Array. Build this stunning modernist home designed by local Carrboro architects Jose Noya and Mike Dickson-Mills with Notch in Array, NC’s firs...
Modernist Private Rural Compound - Escape city life at the "Artist's Palette," an art inspired home designed by architect Rhonda Angerio. It was built in 2005 as a multi-...
Construction has begun in Array! Build this modernist home or any design you want in Array, NC’s first net-zero energy neighborhood. This home and all of the homes in Arr...
Executive home on Cul-de-sac corner lot facing Chapel Ridge Drive. First floor features include, Master suite with beam ceilings, walk in shower and soaking tub; Gourmet ...
Downtown Durham‘s exclusive townhome community with Phase 2 availability; Est. completion mid April 2023. Lot 8 is a Promenade unit featuring a private rooftop terrace w...
WOW! New & improved design inside & out! 4 bedrooms/4 full baths + bonus & garage! Modern Farmhouse Style & functional. A pre-construction opportunity just 1 block to Ca...
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...
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...
Construction has begun in Array! 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 hom...
Elegant modern home available for immediate move-in! An American Institute of Architects Award of Merit Winner by noted firm Raleigh Architecture Company. Light-filled, e...
Feel the stress of the world fade away as you arrive at this sylvan retreat in THE WOODS AT LAUREL HILL. Sited to capture the sun, this contemporary single level home of...
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...
Modern architectural detail coupled with luxurious interior styling highlight this sophisticated two-story perched at the skyline's edge in downtown Raleigh. This new con...
Gorgeous Townhome at The Ware in the heart of Downtown Raleigh! Modern flow floor plan, natural light, gleaming hardwoods, luxurious kitchen finishes and stunning views...
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...
WORK...LIVE...PLAY...CREATE...Turnkey opportunity, fully furnished, with downstairs commercial zoning. Welcome to the Brooklyn-Arts District of Wilmington, North Carolina...
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...
Let's build the perfect basement home for your family! Winding Creek at the Haw is Mebane's newest fully custom built subdivision, only 10 mins from beloved downtown Meba...
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...
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...
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...
Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP & Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River State Park & UNC...
Uniquely modern, gorgeous new build located in the heart of Durham! Minutes to Downtown Durham, Duke U., RTP & Southpoint. Within 20 minutes of Eno River State Park & UNC...
Urban 4 story Louisa in desirable Cary and EAST facing! Stunning townhome w state-of-the-art open floor plan that is ideal for entertaining. The gourmet kitchen w oversiz...
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...
This modern contemporary townhome offered by locally owned, Homes By Dickerson, offers urban living at its finest in Wendell Falls. Luxury 3-story townhomes with guest ro...
Ready March 2023! This beautiful end unit "Manhattan" townhome by locally-owned, Green-builder, Homes By Dickerson, offers 3 stories of luxury living in Wendell Falls. Mo...
Modern farmhouse in the city with a rocking chair front porch and a large rear deck. Cozy efficient floorplan lives large with storage everywhere you turn. Open floorplan...
The Julianne is a new townhome-style 3-bedroom condo. This upper-level one car garage condo with covered balcony is a true gem. The main level features an expansive kitch...
Total PRICE REDUCTION of $33,050! 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 G...
This Stunning Town-Home Offers the Perfect Combination of Style, Comfort and Convenience. Kitchen with Gorgeous Granite Counter-tops, Sleek Stainless Steel Appliances an...
This home is perfect for your busy life. The main level has plenty of bright, open space for relaxing with your family and friends. You’ll love the way your home flows be...
This home is perfect for your busy life. The main level has plenty of bright, open space for relaxing with your family and friends. You’ll love the way your home flows be...
This home is perfect for your busy life. The main level has plenty of bright, open space for relaxing with your family and friends. You’ll love the way your home flows be...
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...
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...
Rooftop terrace condo ready to move-in just in time for fall of 2023! Our breathtaking Julianne plan is every entertainer's dream. Between your gourmet kitchen with an ov...
Exquisite and Timeless Colonial Home Nestled on a Quiet Corner Lot. Experience Fine Country Living—This Beauty is in the Heart of Sanford, just minutes away from Downtown...
Welcome to this beautiful custom-built townhome by Homes by Dickerson in Wendell Falls! This stunning home features 3 bedrooms (one on the main floor), 3.5 bathrooms, and...
This Premium End Unit Townhome directly located across from one of few wooded pocket parks in Chatham Park. Spacious lot, incredible kitchen, under cabinet lighting, quar...
Total PRICE REDUCTION of $23,850. Ready Q1, 2023, this green-certified Modern Luxury Lincoln 20' townhome in Wendell Falls is by locally owned Homes By Dickerson. 3/3.5/2...
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...
These new construction homes are made for everyone. For the city slicker, you are only 5 minutes to downtown. For the nature bug, you are 9 minutes to the Eno. Go out and...
These new construction homes are made for everyone. For the city slicker, you are only 5 minutes to downtown. For the nature bug, you are 9 minutes to the Eno. Go out and...
Our incredible Tessa offers an open floorplan on 2 perfectly laid out levels that are built for the way you want to live! New stunning townhome-style garage condo locate...
These new construction homes are made for everyone. For the city slicker, you are only 5 minutes to downtown. For the nature bug, you are 9 minutes to the Eno. Go out and...
Pritchard Place in Durham is a new development consisting of four custom homes. These homes are designed with everything you need, and each one features a wonderful 3-bed...
Pritchard Place in Durham is a new development consisting of four custom homes. These homes are designed with everything you need, and each one features a wonderful 3-bed...
Pritchard Place in Durham is a new development consisting of four custom homes. These homes are designed with everything you need, and each one features a wonderful 3-bed...
Each townhome is thoughtfully laid out, with an open concept great room on the lower level, and bedrooms on the second level. The main bedroom has a custom walkthrough dr...
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