The Wolf-Huang House

Across the east fork of the Eno River in Orange County, six miles north of downtown Hillsborough, Lake Orange has attracted well-heeled homeowners to its shores for years, many of whom have built their very large, very traditional dream homes there. Many hardwoods and evergreen trees have disappeared in their wake.

Now another new home has appeared along the lake's shore, nestled among the lofty trees, that is the antithesis of those houses. Designed by Chapel Hill architect Arielle Condoret Schechter, AIA, the Wolf-Huang house has introduced modern, sensibly sized, and environmentally sustainable living to the Lake Orange neighborhood. Inside, it is the essence of minimal, reductive design -- simple and serene

Most of Schechter's residential clients value light, livability, energy conservation, and spaces tailor-made for their lifestyles over ostentation and grandiose square footage. These homeowners are no different. In fact, the lake itself was fundamental to the conception of the 2677-square-foot Wolf-Huang house -- views of the lake and sunsets over the lake, as well as the breezes that glide across the water.

To that end, she oriented the house on the site to face the lake and used large sliding-glass doors and windows to provide views and welcome the breezes in spring and fall. Windows on the street-facing elevation along with the house's slim footprint facilitate cross ventilation. Clerestories in a roof segment above the main roofline -- where a solar array is located -- contribute more natural light to the crisp, all-white interior. Deep roof overhangs shade glass doors and windows from the high summer sun.

For the Wolf-Huang's exterior, Schechter says she was Inspired by her love of Amsterdam's colorful houseboats moored along canal banks -- simultaneously luxurious and cozy. She's made several architectural trips to Amsterdam to visit them. As a result:

"I think the Wolf-Huang Lake House feels as if it could be launched right into the Lake to float along the banks," she says, smiling. "We hope our clients feel as if they're on vacation all the time, except without crowded flights and long lines."

BuildSense custom home builders in Durham served as general contractor for this project.

Photos by Tzu Chen Photography, Raleigh, NC