North Carolina, where this low-energy farmhouse is located, is a long way from California; but that was the scope of the move made by Arielle Schechter’s client when they decided on a wholesale change in outlook and lifestyle. The chosen site for Net Zero Farmhouse was ideal for agricultural use, bordering a small creek. The surrounding land is a mix of native grass meadow and woodland, with unspoilt views in every direction.
Discover this low-energy farmhouse in North Carolina
Schechter’s brief was for a two-bedroom house, with expansive public spaces, an enclosed porch and a main bedroom set away from the living rooms for privacy without compromising views of the land. The second bedroom serves as both office and guest space, with a north-facing aspect that keeps it away from the main body of the house.
A garage and second bedroom face north
‘The design idea behind this farmhouse was inspired by the feeling of farm groupings of little outbuildings, native to rural North Carolina,’ says Schechter. ‘We interpreted this in a modern way with shed roofs, a small courtyard for a future dog or cat, and large banks of energy efficient windows.’
The house is angled to make the most of the site and the views
Low energy consumption is one of the anchors of the design. As Schechter points out, it is a true net zero structure, thanks to the triple glazed windows, deep roof overhangs to shield from the North Carolina summer sun, and lots of insulation to keep energy costs down. A solar array is mounted on the roof of the garage.
Overhanging roofs shade the house in summer
The living spaces are all south-facing, shielded by the overhanging roofs, with a large screened porch at one of the site and a smaller open deck accessed from the kitchen. Future plans include a barn, and the scale of the site was maximised by pushing the access drive right up to the boundary line.
The main living space has south-facing windows
This is a modestly scaled project, with simple, unpretentious detailing and materials that have been chosen for their durability and fitness for purpose. Schechter, whose practice is in Chapel Hill, specialises in unpretentious, small-scale modernism, favouring vernacular and industrial materials, energy efficient design and close integration with the land.
The house overlooks meadow and woodland
-
Aston Martin’s CEO, Adrian Hallmark, sets out the future of the luxury sports car brandWallpaper* sits down with Adrian Hallmark, the newly installed CEO of Aston Martin, to find out how the company will evolve over what promises to be an eventful decade of automotive change
-
Curvature, cantilevers and cashmere: Mumbai-based designer Rooshad Shroff on his new furniture collectionRooshad Shroff’s new furniture collection Balance is a masterclass in structural luxury
-
What are art clubs? Inside the heady world of groups offering exclusive access to the industryPrivate clubs and museum patron groups offer insider knowledge and the chance for deeper art world engagement
-
The 10 emerging American Midwest architects you need to knowWe profile 10 emerging American Midwest architects shaking up the world of architecture - in their territory, and beyond
-
A light-filled New York loft renovation magics up extra space in a deceptively sized homeThis New York loft renovation by local practice BOND is now a warm and welcoming apartment that feels more spacious than it actually is
-
Inside Bell Labs, the modernist vision behind Severance's minimalist settingWe explore the history of Bell Labs - now known as Bell Works - the modernist Eero Saarinen-designed facility in New Jersey, which inspired the dystopian minimalist setting of 'Severance'
-
Zaha Hadid Architects’ new project will be Miami’s priciest condoConstruction has commenced at The Delmore, an oceanfront condominium from the firm founded by the late Zaha Hadid, ZHA
-
A West Austin house invites you to commune with natureWestview Residence by Alterstudio, a West Austin house among trees, makes the most of large windows and open-air decks in a verdant setting
-
Apple’s new Miami store employs the principles of biophilic designApple’s first mass-timber store connects shoppers to nature while echoing the Art Deco architecture of Miami
-
The World Monuments Fund has announced its 2025 Watch – here are some of the endangered sites on the listEvery two years, the World Monuments Fund creates a list of 25 monuments of global significance deemed most in need of restoration. From a modernist icon in Angola to the cultural wreckage of Gaza, these are the heritage sites highlighted
-
Reflections from Los Angeles: a local writer's personal account of the LA firesArchitecture writer and local resident Michael Webb reflects on the devastating 2025 Los Angeles fires and offers his personal account of the events of the last two weeks in California
