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.
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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.
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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.
Discover your modern oasis at Page Townes. This popular Page floorplan has all the feels of a city loft! With cool, contemporary gray tones and matte black handles and ...
Welcome to the impressive 3320 floor plan by Adams Homes, offering over 3,300 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. This spacious 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath home co...
Imagine if Weaver Street Market, Jubala, Barcelona Wine Bar, Morgan Street Food Hall, The Contemporary Art Museum, Union Station, Videri Chocolate Factory, O-Ku Japanese,...
FALL Football Incentive! Free E-bike + $10k Seller Credit on this Flat! This 2nd floor 2 bedroom/2 bath flat offers a western view and lots of sunshine. South Green Flats...
TO BE BUILT NEW CONSTRUCTION on a beautiful Cul-De-Sac homesite located in the prestigious Belmont Lake Preserve. Be part of this lakeside community with a lovely golf co...
Seller's existing mortgage may be assumable at a 2.875% interest rate, subject to lender/servicer approval and buyer qualification. Set on a ½-acre lot, this beautifull...
Rare basement opportunity just minutes from Downtown Raleigh! This 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath home built in 2022 blends modern design and functional space. The main level featur...
BIG BUYER INCENTIVE! Up to $20,000 toward closing costs or financing incentives with preferred lender. Cash buyer incentive also available. Ask onsite for details and res...
Modern minimalism and thoughtful design define this stunning Fairweather condo. Deeded parking spot included. Featuring a spacious open floor plan with engineered hardwoo...
Downtown Raleigh living with your own private yard, a rooftop space to gather, and the convenience of a secure, elevator-access building. The Boylan plan at Loft3 offers ...
Welcome to the Julianne at Twyla Walk in Cary, NC, offering nearly 2,500 square feet, a private rooftop terrace with wooded views, and exceptional indoor-outdoor living. ...
Experience the exceptional lifestyle of Creekside at Bethpage in this beautifully appointed Taylor Morrison home, where thoughtful design and upscale finishes are evident...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the James C at Goldston Fields. HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXPECTED COMPLETION FEBRUARY, REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Space, style, and sta...
$$$$$10,000 in concessions for this updated 4-bedroom home in a convenient location to The Streets at Southpoint, dining, shopping, and more! This home features extensive...
Beautiful Custom Built Duplex built by Thayer Homes! Why settle for a spec home when you can get a custom home at a lower price! This duplex offers high quality finishes,...
Close to UNC & downtown Carrboro condo living can be yours with modern style and supreme convenience. Modern interiors, green energy features, and community amenities pro...
Discover The Grace, a charming new construction home designed for comfort, style, and everyday living. Nestled on 0.80 acres in a private cul-de-sac in the Morganshire s...
Experience the best of resort-style living in the highly sought-after Treelight Square of Wendell Falls. Perfectly positioned in one of the community's most walkable loca...
Seller is offering the buyer $10,000 concession toward closing costs to help buy down the rate. With continued conversation and investment near DOWNTOWN SOUTH, this locat...
Welcome to Wendell Falls! This 3-Story Townhome offers parking in front for front entrance along with 2 garage parking in back for back entrance. Storage area in Garage. ...
Move-In Ready! The Jordan A in Knightdale's Forestville Yard offers a thoughtful layout for modern comfort. The main level features an open floor plan anchored by a livin...
Rare Floor Plan in the Highly Desirable Tuscany Subdivision! This immaculate, meticulously maintained, one-owner home offers 4 spacious bedrooms with 3.5 bathrooms! A wel...
Urban condo living in one of Durham's most convenient locations! This distinctive two-level condo combines soaring ceilings, incredible natural light and an open, contemp...
Welcome home to this spacious, brick-front end-unit townhouse ideally located near the heart of Apex! Freshly updated with new paint, and new hardwood flooring on the mai...
Ready in December, currently under construction. Experience standout curb appeal in this Harris A home, featuring an alley-load garage that keeps the front façade clean a...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the James C at Arbor Glen. THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION-ESTIMATED COMPLETION JANUARY. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Start the new year ...
Spacious split-level home offering approximately 2,112 sq ft of comfortable living space across three floors. The main level features an open living area, kitchen, dining...
Executive 3-Story Townhome - 4 Bedrooms, Prime Raleigh Location Discover beautifully upgraded TH in one of Raleigh's most iconic areas. Mins. from I-440, Downtown Ralei...
End Unit! Welcome to this modern two story end-unit townhome built in 2022 in the heart of Fuquay-Varina! Offering 1,829 sq. ft., this 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath home features a...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the James C plan at Liberty Creek. THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION, EXPECTED COMPLETION FEBRUARY. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Experience...
9 foot ceilings on both floors. new carpet and paint. pond and greenway right in front. within a few minutes walk to everything. good schools and close to rtp. also for r...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Radcliffe at Helmsley. Under construction with scheduled completion in November. Representational photos. Discover an exceptional...
Move-In Ready! Experience modern living in this Jordan C home. The main level showcases an open floor plan anchored by a cozy electric fireplace and elegant oak stairs. A...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Radcliffe at Helmsley. HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXPECTED COMPLETION, NOVEMBER. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Sophisticated design and ...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Avery E at Goldston Fields. HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXPECTED COMPLETION FEBRUARY, REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. The Avery is a best-s...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Avery F at Arbor Glen. THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION-ESTIMATED COMPLETION DECEMBER. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Close out the year...
Priced to sell! This home is currently the largest home within 2 miles of this location and priced at $154 per sq. ft. which is unheard of for this area. Enjoy over half...
**END-UNIT TOWNHOME WITH A 2-CAR ATTACHED GARAGE, PRIVATE ROOFTOP TERRACE, AND OPEN SPACE NEXT TO THE PROPERTY.** Positioned at the end of the building beside an open com...
PRIME DURHAM LOCATION, TWO PRIVATE SUITES, NO HOA and a one-year builder warranty! Just minutes from Duke University, Duke Hospital and downtown Durham, 2530 W Wilson Str...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Radcliffe at Helmsley. HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXPECTED COMPLETION, DECEMBER. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Discover elevated townhom...
Welcome to 530 Plumleaf, a spacious interior townhome at Sherron Townes offering 2,430 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space. The gourmet kitchen offers a bea...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the James E at Arbor Glen. Step into comfort and effortless style in this stunning two-story home offering over 3,000 square feet...
Townhome with 2 car garage and private rooftop terrace in a highly connected Durham location. This three-level residence is conveniently located near Research Triangle Pa...
Perched in the Sky - Luxury Living Above the Heart of Raleigh. Live over 400 feet in the air in Raleigh's tallest residential building, where the skyline becomes your eve...
Welcome to the beautifully designed 2307 floor plan by Adams Homes, offering 2,307 square feet of thoughtfully crafted living space in the new Jackson Ridge community. Th...
Welcome to Cranbrook, your modern farmhouse sanctuary! This meticulously crafted house plan unveils a thoughtful split-bedroom layout featuring 3 beds, 2 baths, and 1,477...
New Construction + Creekside Backyard + $5,000 Closing Cost Incentive! Welcome home to "The Rachel," a beautifully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offering 1,953 SF on a...
Come see this immaculate home with 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms which includes 2 primary suites perfect for guests, on almost a half acre. The kitchen has been fully upda...
Welcome to this 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home in Starmount Hills, Raleigh. Situated on an expansive 11,326-square-foot lot, this single-family residence offers ample outdoor...
LOWER two levels, NO rooftop terrace Welcome to The Tessa, a stylish and intelligently designed condo that combines everyday ease with refined living. Featuring a rear-l...
Welcome to 1106 Blackthorn, a spacious end-unit townhome at Sherron Townes offering additional privacy and natural light. The kitchen provides a stylish and functional ga...
Positioned in the Nova RTP community, this never-occupied model home offers contemporary three-level living with a private rooftop terrace in one of Durham's most connect...
*TOWNHOME WITH A 2-CAR GARAGE AND PRIVATE ROOFTOP TERRACE IN A HIGHLY CONNECTED DURHAM LOCATION.* This three-level home provides convenient access to Research Triangle Pa...
Welcome to this beautifully maintained southeast-facing home in one of Cary's most desirable neighborhoods! Filled with abundant natural daylight, this inviting home off...
Low-maintenance living meets an incredibly convenient South Durham location in this beautifully maintained 3-bedroom corner condo near The Streets at Southpoint, I-40, RT...
Still time to personalize!! Homes by Dickerson presents the Flint plan, thoughtfully designed with comfort and convenience in mind - with a detached 2 car, rear entry gar...
Beautifully maintained and practically new, this sophisticated first-floor end-unit condominium at 515 Churton offers contemporary luxury in the heart of historic downtow...
Welcome to the Rolen, a thoughtfully designed two-story home featuring 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. The main level offers a convenient primary suite, providing easy acce...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Harrington C at Arbor Glen. THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION-ESTIMATED COMPLETION JANUARY. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Start the new ...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Richmond A at Helmsley. HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXPECTED COMPLETION, NOVEMBER. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Elevated townhome living...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Avondale C at Arbor Glen. Experience the ease of single-level living in this beautifully designed 2,203-square-foot ranch home. A...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the McGinnis B at Arbor Glen. THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION-ESTIMATED COMPLETION FEBRUARY. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Enjoy the space...
Welcome to this charming three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath single-family residence located in East End Residences, Durham, NC. Situated on a 4,792-square-foot lot, this ...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Radcliffe A at Helmsley. Discover a new level of luxury and convenience in this captivating END-UNIT townhome, where modern elega...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Radcliffe A at Helmsley. HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXPECTED COMPLETION, OCTOBER. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS Elevate your lifestyle wi...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents The McGinnis B plan at Liberty Creek. Designed with flexibility and everyday comfort in mind, this spacious home offers five bedrooms...
Welcome to 1109 Blackthorn, a thoughtfully designed interior townhome at Sherron Townes. This home features a white gourmet kitchen, elevated finishes, built-in storage, ...
**END-UNIT TOWNHOME WITH A 2-CAR ATTACHED GARAGE AND PRIVATE ROOFTOP TERRACE IN A HIGHLY CONNECTED DURHAM LOCATION.** This three-level home provides convenient access to ...
**Price Reflects Incentive To Close On Or Before 10/29/2026**FINAL OPPORTUNITIES**SITE FINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS** Unmatched quality. Situated just a stone's throw from We...
Under construction! Welcome to this beautifully designed 4-bedroom, 2.5-bath home in Williams Ridge. Featuring an open-concept layout, spacious living areas, and quality ...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the McGinnis C at Arbor Glen. THIS HOME IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION-ESTIMATED COMPLETION DECEMBER. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Enjoy the space...
Welcome home to this adorable landscaped new construction at 1004 Ivey Road in Graham. This 1.5 level beauty offers thoughtfully designed open living and stylish finishes...
Currently Cary's ONLY new-construction community offering homes under $400K and this 3-bedroom Tessa adds pond and tree views, no building directly behind, upgraded desig...
This 3-bedroom, 2.5-bathroom townhouse in Chatham Park offers efficient living in Pittsboro with a practical floor plan suited to modern ownership. The unit features a si...
This stunning two-story condo in the historic River Mill condominiums along the Neuse River has been luxuriously renovated top-to-bottom and features raised ceilings, a c...
More than a new home, it's room to enjoy life outside your front door. Situated on 1.17 acres in Roxboro, this new construction home offers the space to spread out withou...
This home proves you don't have to choose between style and function. Discover modern new construction in Roxboro, NC with the space, flexibility, and finishes that make ...
Experience the best of Durham living in this beautifully crafted new construction home by S&S Luxury Homes, where affordable luxury meets one of the Triangle's most dynam...
SPECIAL RATE INCENTIVE on our Luxury End-Unit Living with a Private Rooftop Terrace in Downtown Wake Forest Experience the perfect blend of urban convenience and small-t...
MOVE IN READY! Welcome to Falls of the Cape! This beautiful 2307 Plan offers 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and Adams Homes signature finishes, situated on a spacious ½-acre homes...
Welcome to The Tessa at Twyla Walk, an under-construction new construction opportunity in West Cary offering an exceptional combination of location, design, privacy, and ...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Harrington B at Arbor Glen. The Harrington offers the perfect blend of comfort, style, and everyday functionality with an invitin...
Single story on nearly half an acre close to everything with walkability to shopping, downtown Mebane and quick access highways! 1 Car garage and a deep wide lot with no ...
SPACE, PRIVACY AND VALUE—this one checks some hard-to-find boxes. With 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a large loft, 2-car garage, and a backyard that backs to woods, this home...
Look no further. Come and see this beautiful like new well maintained home in desirable Haywood Glen community in the heart of Knightdale. Just minutes from I-540 and sho...
There's SWEETBRIER and there's not exactly. The Triangle's landmark destination for 5-star living is home to this uptown townhome that lives LARGE with 9' ceilings on bot...
MOTIVATED SELLER! If you want move-in ready, convenient to everything downtown Durham, RTP, RDU, shopping & groceries, this home checks all the boxes. This 3-bedroom, 2.5...
Smith Douglas Homes proudly presents the Richmond A at Helmsley. HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EXPECTED COMPLETION, OCTOBER. REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTOS. Experience a fresh perspe...
Space, flexibility, and privacy come together in this expansive Telfair, positioned on an impressive homesite with a mature rear tree line. The main level features an ope...
Beautiful corner-unit home featuring 3 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms in the growing and popular Garner area! The open kitchen offers plenty of storage, while the peaceful ba...
Welcome to 501 Plumleaf, a spacious end-unit townhome at Sherron Townes offering additional privacy and natural light. The current price reflects approximately 1,676 squa...
More space inside and more breathing room outside. Set on approximately half an acre in Leander Lee Preserve, this thoughtfully designed Telfair offers four spacious bedr...
Welcome to 2513 Rochelle Street in Durham--where elevated living meets everyday comfort. Nestled on a spacious and versatile lot, this property offers a rare sense of pri...
**Brand New LG Glass Air Fry Convection Range Oven installed!** Minutes from downtown Pittsboro restaurants & shops! Easy One-Level Living on a Quiet Cul-de-Sac - Welcome...
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