A simple, modern home that perfectly integrates into the forests of North Carolina

Located in Hillsborough, North Carolina, USA, this unusual property doesn’t sit anywhere near civilization. It’s a simple, modern home located in a clearing in a beautiful lush forest. The idea for this unusual setting came from the owners. They wanted a quiet and simple home somewhere in the middle of nature where they could live without being disturbed.

Crabill tonic design1

The clients also wanted the house to disturb the natural environment as little as possible and to accommodate local wildlife. The architects that worked at this unique project were Tonic Design in collaboration with Tonic Construction. The house was built in 2011 and sits on a five-acre property. The clients had few but important and clear requests. They wanted the house to respect the environment and to be built carefully, they wanted it to have plenty of natural lighting and also have views of the forest that would include their favorite three-trunked tree.

Crabill tonic design1
Crabill tonic design1

Crabill tonic design1

Crabill tonic design1

In order to make the house integrate into the surroundings and reflect its beauty, the architect chose to use simple and inexpensive materials. The idea was to take simple elements and to elevate them to a new level in order to create a modern design. The result was a cubic-shaped house with a steel alloy structure that obtains a rust-like appearance when exposed to the weather, spray foam insulation, low windows and energy-efficient appliances. The first floor contains the kitchen, living and dining area along with a studio and two decks and the second level features the master bedroom and two more bedrooms. There’s also an addition loft space.{found on archdaily and pics by Richard}.