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...
BUILDERS PERSONAL FALLS LAKE ESTATE HOME FOR SALE! Private and Wooded Lot! Mohawk RevWood Plus Floors! Kitchen Offers Porcelain Countertops & Backsplash, Center Island wi...
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...
Simplicity - the ultimate sophistication! Retreat to this sleek, single-level Szostak-designed contemporary modernist masterpiece on 11 peaceful acres just minutes from d...
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...
2022 PARADE OF HOMES ENTRY! 4 Car Garage! Heated In-Ground Pool w/Overflowing, Sun Shelf, Volleyball Net Integral & Diving Board! 1st Floor Owner's Suite, Study & Guest S...
Extraordinary custom Mid Century Modern masterpiece built by modernist designer, BA Farrell. Main lake view with 125’ of shoreline with sandy beach,boat house w/ 2 boat l...
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...
Quintessential Mid-Century architectural beauty exudes style & glamour in this expansive & rare 6BR|4BA North Hills Estates. Verdant grounds surround this tropical resort...
PRICE IMPROVEMENT!!! Better than new this 2019 build in desirable Bella Vista was immaculately maintained with HUGE upgrades to include: whole house RO water system with ...
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...
Location-Luxury-Lifestyle Exquisite better than new 2019 Light-Filled Townhouse with lovely views tucked into a tree-lined internal lane just off St Marys Street. Walk t...
Dream secluded, cul de sac home on almost 2 acres + 3 car garage! Enjoy 10' ceilings & hardwoods throughout the main living area with an open floor plan w/ coffered and v...
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...
$10k seller-paid closing costs with an acceptable offer in August, closing by end of September. 3Br/3.5BA Luxury urban, stand alone townhome, within walking distance to D...
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...
Downtown Durham‘s luxury townhome community with final floorplan opportunities; estimated completion of January 2023. The Veranda floorplan is our popular duplex-style to...
Downtown Durham‘s luxury townhome community with final floorplan opportunities; estimated completion of January 2023. The Veranda floorplan is our popular duplex-style to...
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...
2020 beautiful custom-built luxury home in Zebulon with 6+ acres. Features: Open floor-plan with wooded views throughout the home; Luxury Vinyl Flooring Throughout; Oak t...
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...
Custom built by CS WITT in 1982, this home continues to live well in 2022. Large rooms, high ceilings, quality materials. Washed oak floors and cypress paneled study. Coz...
Custom built home by luxury builder, Shail Construction is set for completion Aug 2022! The last and one of the largest lots in this adorable neighborhood, the lot backs ...
CARY DOWNTOWN MODERN MASTERPIECE! "BOUNTIFUL" IS A MODERN, CLEAN-LINE-DESIGN FLOOR PLAN...AMPLE-SIZED BEDROOMS, OPEN FLOOR PLAN & UNIQUE SEPARATE GUESTROOM "CASITA" ON TH...
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...
Build this one level modernist style home or the plan of your choice in Array, NC’s 1st net-zero energy n'hood. The homes will be built to the highest energy efficiency s...
3 STORY CUSTOM DESIGN W/ROOFTOP TERRACE IN DOWNTOWN RALEIGH! Walking Distance to Farmer's Market, Trophy Brewing & Dorthea Dix Park! Large Natural Common Area! Site Finis...
Build this contemporary farmhouse or the plan of your choice in Array. NC's 1st net-zero energy n'hood. The homes will be built to the highest energy efficiency standards...
10.14 acres LOCATED 1.5 MILES FROM CREEDMOOR RD/NC 50! Perfectly shaped land. 670' of road frontage+ UNIQUE Modern Hm w/4-Car Garage waiting for your renovation dreams + ...
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...
ASK ABOUT $15,000 USE AS YOU CHOOSE INCENTIVE! Ready in Summer 2023: this "Concord" green-certified home on a WOODED homesite in Briar Chapel is by locally-owned Homes By...
Absolutely stunning new construction in downtown Carrboro! Modernist design with high-end interior finishes & a wow staircase window tower. Open plan where the party can ...
Contemporary near downtown living at it's finest! Just a stone's throw from all the amazing gastronomy & enjoyment that downtown Durham has to offer. Thisone of a kind es...
Gorgeous Custom Home in Raleigh! This hidden gem is minutes away from downtown off Hillsborough. You will not find anything like this home on the market! Custom built wit...
Downtown Durham‘s exclusive townhome community with Phase 2 availability; est. completion of December '22. Lot 10 is a Promenade unit featuring private rooftop terrace wi...
Downtown Durham‘s exclusive townhome community with Phase 2 availability; est. completion of December '22. Lot 9 is a Promenade unit featuring private rooftop terrace wit...
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...
Wow, Wow and WOW!!! Rare modernist home on 10th green in exclusive Chapel Ridge. Incredible views from every room, walls of windows bring light & nature inside. Unbeliev...
Unique property with so many large features open to its owner! This one of a kind estate spares absolutely no expense when it comes to build quality & features. Meticulou...
Amazing mid-century modern style brick ranch home that is truly a one of a kind!! Situated on over 3 acres overlooking the pond. If you love to cook you will enjoy all of...
Move in ready! Modern Chic new construction with 1st and 2nd floor master suites!!Calcutta Waterfall Quartz in the kitchen, 36" gas range, Wine refrigerator, All applianc...
A rare, modern beauty brought to you by Grayson Homes. Nestled on a quiet street at the gateway to newly renovated Chavis Park. This home features 3 bright bedrooms, 2.5 ...
Beautiful custom home tucked away on .8 ac. lot. Privacy abound yet close to Brier Creek and DT Durham. This spacious 3 bedroom custom home will come loaded with features...
Brand New Construction In Carrboro. Modern Design with many upgrades. 2650 square feet with 2 car garage already epoxy coated. Pella Windows. 2x6 constructed walls. 10' ...
Sunny gathering areas and serene bedrooms contribute to the everyday delight of The Ravenridge floor plan for Bridle Run. Walk-in closets, ample space and plenty of priva...
Welcome home! Rare opportunity, 2 miles from UNC campus, to own a mid-century stunner in the desirable Estes Hills neighborhood! Unique home built with design in mind o...
Stunning contemporary style home perched on 6 acres that is completely refreshed. Hardwoods on both floors, kitchen with high end S/S appliances (2 dishwashers), quartz c...
A quintessential contemporary jewel on over a third of an acre in the highly coveted Glen Eden neighborhood will surely delight the modern enthusiast. Updated in 18' with...
Get your bongos out for this true Modernist home! Butterfly roof-Check. Open floorplan-Check. Many windows-Check. Very cool 50's ranch designed by Modernist Architect Joh...
Fulfill your interior design dreams in the beautiful and spacious Pemberton new home plan. Growing minds and unique decorative styles have a superb place to call their ow...
Beautiful modern gem located minutes from DT Durham and Southpoint! Built to last with upgrades to please. Completely sealed crawl space, insulated windows, & spray foam ...
Beautiful modern gem located minutes from DT Durham and Southpoint! Built to last with upgrades to please. Completely sealed crawl space, insulated windows, & spray foam ...
Gorgeous, modern & low maintenance living in this 3 story townhome with a rooftop terrace. 1st level bedroom/office with sleek epoxy concrete floors and a 1 car garage! H...
Beautiful custom home tucked away on nearly a half acre lot. Privacy abound yet close to Brier Creek and DT Durham. This spacious 3 bedroom custom home will come loaded w...
STUNNING Modern New Construction in Perfect Downtown Durham location! Features a Owners Suite with double vanity, HUGE walk-in tiled shower and WIC's. Site-finished har...
Attention to detail, top-quality craftsmanship, and design excellence make every day delightful in The Hemlock floor plan by David Weekley Homes. The covered front porch ...
This 1965 3 BR/3.5 BA custom design by Arthur Cogswell FAIA, won an AIA Award in 1966. Clients wanted large spaces for entertaining, with cozier, separate bed/bath areas ...
Would you LOVE a Modernist style home in fabulous Chapel Hill? This home at 108 Bridle Run is situated on a beautiful .85/acre cul-de-sac wooded lot that backs up to Ceda...
Amazing Opportunity for Smart Home Buyers! Abundant Options: Home & Separate Office/ Home + Rental Unit/ Home & Guest House/ Home + Studio/ Two rental units. Now you can ...
Pre-Construction w/ flexible use applications that make this an unbelievable opportunity! Well designed high-end 3 bdrm/2.5 bath home w/ accesory dwelling (ADU) behind h...
One Level living on 2 private acres w/ trails & easy-care landscape designed by master gardener. Great room has soaring ceilings, built-in bookcases, raised hearth FP. C...
Ready Fall '22, this green-certified Park Avenue 23' townhome, Urban Loft curated design selections, in Wendell Falls is by locally owned Homes By Dickerson. 3 bed / 3.5 ...
Modern, stylish, elevated! Welcome to 3-story luxury living with ELEVATOR and ROOFTOP PATIO. Designed by Alliance Architecture with elements found in their projects both ...
ALTAIR in Raleigh is now open! Brand new plans, brand new construction, brand new opportunity! Our Berkshire plan has 3 bedrooms and a huge 3rd floor loft for maximum f...
Contemporary Urban style 3 story Louisa in Cary! Between Apex and Morrisville. Oversized windows for tons of light, open and airy. Chef inspired kitchen w 12ft kitchen is...
“Modern architecture is not a style, it’s an attitude.” New construction near completion beside the most prominent park in the country. The sleek 3-story design maximizes...
Modern chic 3 story Louisa in desirable Cary! Level yard w/patio perfect for pets/gatherings. Private main level office or bedroom w/bath and view of backyard. Spacious m...
Ready Fall '22, this Manhattan 21'6 townhome in Wendell Falls is by locally owned Homes By Dickerson. 3 bed / 3.5 bath + Garage w/ ample storage, guest room on 1st fl. 1...
Contemporary Urban style 3 story Louisa in desirable Cary! Level yard w/patio perfect for pets/gatherings. First floor private office or bedroom w/bath and view of backya...
Move In Fall 2022! Come home to your new Calvin, located in highly desirable Apex. Spend the evenings relaxing on your 3rd level loft and open terrace! Entertain in your ...
Immaculate spacious End Unit townhome ready for Fall move in! Come home to your new Reid, located in highly desirable Apex. Spend the evenings relaxing in your Spacious O...
Beautiful modern gem located minutes from DT Durham and Southpoint! Built to last with upgrades to please. Completely sealed crawl space, insulated windows, & spray foam ...
Beautiful modern gem located minutes from DT Durham and Southpoint! Built to last with upgrades to please. Completely sealed crawl space, insulated windows, & spray foam ...
AMAZING modern 3 bd, 2 1/2 ba house located in the heart of Raleigh! Bike or walk to work! Awesome contemporary design, open floorplan w/tons of natural light! Dreamy Kit...
Come see us at ALTAIR, the latest community by M/I Homes! Unbeatable location within walking distance to Crabtree Valley Mall, these plans are modern and innovative and ...
NEW CONSTRUCTION TOWNHOME IN RALEIGH! A brand new plan in a brand new neighborhood within walking distance to Crabtree Valley. Welcome to ALTAIR! From the front you'll ...
Immaculate, spacious, and bright East facing townhome! Come home to your new Reid, located in highly desirable Apex. Spend the evenings relaxing in your Spacious Owner Su...
NEW CONSTRUCTION TOWNHOME IN RALEIGH! A brand new plan in a brand new neighborhood within walking distance to Crabtree Valley. Welcome to ALTAIR! From the front you'll ...
Move In Fall 2022! Come home to your new Calvin, located in highly desirable Apex. Spend the evenings relaxing on your 3rd level loft and open terrace! Entertain in your ...
New Construction in the heart of Raleigh has arrived! ALTAIR is now available for sales. Call today for a personal appointment. These innovative designs will amaze you....
A recently renovated (2021) modern home is located a few streets from 4 of Durham's best parks, including Indian Trail, Oval Parks, and Ellerbee Creek trail. It's minut...
NEW CONSTRUCTION TOWNHOME IN RALEIGH! A brand new plan in a brand new neighborhood within walking distance to Crabtree Valley. Welcome to ALTAIR! From the front you'll ...
Well maintained mid century modernist ranch located inside the beltline has 3 (or 4) bedrooms and 3 baths. Mature landscaping with azaleas and camelias make this home an...
Immaculate spacious townhome ready for Fall move in! Come home to your new Reid, located in highly desirable Apex. Spend the evenings relaxing in your Spacious Owner Suit...
Come see this once in a lifetime home in Carolina Trace. Residing in the most coveted North Shore neighborhood sits a testament to modern design. The only thing more beau...
Move in ready home in desirable location. Great living areas with large family room, with 3bd 2.5 bath home, with 2 car garage. LVP all over first floor. Plenty of light ...
DOWNTOWN RALEIGH: ZONED DX3 = DOWNTOWN MIXED USE MAX 3 stories. **0.13 acre located just a couple of blocks from the newly designated Raleigh Social District and Transfer...
Ready Q4 '22, 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 2 car g...
Move In Fall 2022! Come home to your new Calvin, located in highly desirable Apex. Spend the evenings relaxing in your Screened Patio or Spacious Owner's Suite! Entertain...
Amazing mid-century modern style brick ranch home that is truly a one of a kind!! Situated on over 3 acres overlooking the pond. If you love to cook you will enjoy all of...
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...
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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