2021 | Home in Duke Forest | Durham, NC
The site for this home was the launching point of inspiration for its design. The lot encompasses ten acres near Duke Forest, where the owners were drawn to its natural serenity and woodland beauty. The approach to the home is a long undulating driveway, passing under a tall forest canopy and over a meandering creek. The home sits at the top of the hill and because of the careful placement and siting, each of the many views out of the house is magical.
The owners came to us with the intention of building their “age in place” home. They wanted the main living spaces to be on a single floor and for the spaces to be open and gracious in order to welcome guests across multiple generations. The open-plan Great Room, with its stately fireplace and abundant windows, anchors the double height common space. The circulation extends from the site and continues as a spine leading to the primary wing. A “meditation hallway” contains a wall of full height windows on one side and displays artwork on the other.
The elegant choice of materials for the house exudes a warmth, light, and earthiness. The metal roof and windows reflect the light and sky. The thermally modified ash siding, white oak floors, wooden beams and stone chimney ground the home as though it has always been rooted in the surrounding nature.