House for a Family, Courtyard for a Cat | Chapel Hill, NC
| This project began with the goal of updating an interesting but drafty 1970s home, transforming it into an efficient, light-filled space ideal for enjoying an extensive collection of art and books.
We started by removing the dark wood paneling to seal the drafty exterior walls and add insulation. We enlarged the window openings and installed energy-efficient windows, taking advantage of existing large roof overhangs to block harsh summer sun while allowing light from the low winter sun to warm and illuminate the space. A large, walled courtyard provides privacy to the front-facing kitchen and dining room, which open onto the space with new wall-to-wall glass doors.
Both the clients and our design team appreciated the home's existing textures, so we painted the interior brick to maintain its visual interest while brightening the space with a neutral color palette that focuses attention on the art. We replaced bulky railings with a sleek cable-rail system, allowing light from upper skylights to filter into the heart of the home.
The result of this design effort was two very happy residents and one thrilled cat (we think she was thrilled... hard to tell with cats).
| The balconies, roof planes, columns, and wall openings add visual interest to the simple pallet of materials and colors used on the final interior.
MATERIALITY
| The screen porch and front courtyard were integral to this project. They provided private sources of natural light and fresh air, allowing doors to be left open without the beloved cat wandering off. Small details matter when designing a house for the way you want to live.
BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN
| Abundant natural light streams into these areas, reflecting off the light wood tones and wall colors, creating a captivating play of illumination that infuses the entire space. The effect? An inviting, airy ambiance that diffuses natural light throughout the home, beautifully showcasing its captivating art collection.
NATURAL LIGHT
