A Modern Home with Forest Views and Natural Materials

Set within 10 acres of woodland in Durham, North Carolina, this home by Szostak Design begins long before you reach the front door. The winding driveway moves through a dense canopy of trees, crossing a quiet creek before climbing toward a hilltop where the house comes into view. From the outset, the landscape shapes the experience, guiding how the home is approached, entered, and lived in.

Designed as a long-term home for its owners, the brief focused on keeping everyday spaces on one level while allowing for open, generous areas that can welcome family across generations.

Set High with Tree Views

The house sits at the highest point of the site, positioned to take full advantage of the surrounding forest. Every window frames a different view, giving each room its own perspective of the land.

At the center, a double-height Great Room anchors the layout. Large expanses of glazing pull in light and extend sightlines outward, while a strong fireplace adds structure to the space. From here, movement through the home follows a clear line, extending outward toward the more private areas.

Material choices reinforce the overall feeling of the home. A metal roof and window frames catch shifting light, while white oak floors, exposed beams, and a stone chimney bring warmth and texture throughout.

A Garden in a Woodland Setting

The surrounding acreage remains largely untouched, allowing the natural setting to define the outdoor experience. The elevation of the house creates layered views across the property, with the forest stretching out in every direction, while an organized garden has room for a growing, relaxing, and enjoying the pool.

An Entry That Opens Everything Up

As you step inside, the openness of the interior becomes immediately clear, with sightlines extending through to the main living areas and beyond to the landscape. Natural materials appear right away, setting the tone for the rest of the home and creating a welcoming first impression.

Light, Height, and a Central Fireplace

At the heart of the home, the Great Room brings together height, light, and texture. The fireplace acts as a focal point, grounding the space while still allowing the windows to take center stage. The scale of the room makes it ideal for gathering, yet the material palette keeps it feeling warm and inviting.

Gathering at the Heart of the Plan

Positioned within the open-plan layout, the dining area sits comfortably between the living room and kitchen. This placement allows it to function easily for both everyday meals and larger gatherings, maintaining a sense of flow throughout.

A Warm Kitchen Within the Open Space

The kitchen continues the use of warm, natural finishes, tying it visually to the surrounding spaces. Clean lines and a restrained palette allow the materials to stand out, while the layout supports easy movement and functionality.

A Hallway of Glass Leading to the Primary Suite

A defining feature of the home is the hallway leading to the primary wing. Often described as a “meditation hallway,” it pairs a full-height wall of windows on one side with artwork displayed along the other.

As you move through, the experience shifts between looking outward to the landscape and inward toward curated pieces. This transition leads directly into the primary bedroom, where windows continue to frame the surrounding forest, bringing in light and views from multiple angles.

Stone, Light, and a Sense of Ease

The primary bathroom also features a wall of windows with a door that opens to the landscaped garden.

A Clear Plan Anchored at the Center

The drawings reveal the clarity of the plan, with the central Great Room acting as the anchor point and circulation extending outward in a direct line. They also highlight how the home supports the owners’ goal of long-term usability while maintaining open, generous spaces.

This home in Duke Forest shows how strong siting and simple material choices can shape the entire living experience. From the winding drive to the framed views in every room, each decision builds on the qualities of the land, resulting in a home that feels both open and grounded.

Photography by Keith Isaacs | Design: Szostak Design, Inc. – Philip Szottak