Bizios Architect

Jun 2010

The desire for open-plan living, larger spaces, and extensive natural light led to the total transformation of a fifties ranch for a young family relocating to Chapel Hill. The existing envelope provided enough area to meet the familys needs, but the buildings condition and layout called for a total rethinking and complete renovation. The new design addresses issues of adjacency, room size, circulation, natural light, storage, energy efficiency and deferred maintenance. The addition of windows and skylights, new decks, energy efficient systems, and a bold exterior color converted an outdated ranch into a home for 21st century living. Photo: Arsalan Abbasi

Chapel Hill, NC

Jan 2007

This 2013 AIA Merit Award winning getaway home overlooks the Haw River in North Carolina. The owners decided to build a retreat that will later serve as a guesthouse when they retire and build their permanent home. The design expands and redefines the relationship of interior and exterior spaces. A large, central screened porch forms the core of the house with a fireplace, kitchenette, and sleeping loft. An adjoining interior living area extends the porch form and feeling. The combined interior/exterior living space is encircled by a covered deck, while stone cladding provides quiet refuge for two small back bedrooms. For the family and their visitors, the home blurs conventions of residential life as traditionally interior functions are intertwined with the outside. Ultimately, the design begs the question, what is house, and what is porch? Photo: Mike Mills

Pittsboro, NC

Jan 2002

Both peaceful retreat and ideal setting for entertaining, this home is situated on a wooded lot in an established neighborhood near a lake and park. The houses form and exterior materials recall the simple vernacular architecture of the region. In contrast, the interiors dramatic two-story volumes, open stairs, continuous space, cozy lofts, two-sided wood-burning fireplace, expansive views and abundant natural light create a dynamic yet highly functional living environment. The houses elongated form and east-west axis places main living spaces on the south side for light and warmth. The windows are shaded in summer. The compact, economical floor plan sits on a pier foundation with no crawl space. A sealed attic adds to the already energy efficient design. Photos: Mike Mills (exterior); Craig Bethel (interior)

Raleigh, NC

Jan 2002

Conceived and designed as a cottage in the garden set in the heart of Chapel Hill, this small-footprint home fits into its neighborhood and offers magnificent views of its surrounding gardens. Shed dormers, corner windows, large overhangs, and horizontal and vertical siding patterns break up the massing. Inside areas flow gracefully into spacious rooms with nooks, alcoves, and window seats. Porches, decks, and balconies on all three levels provide a variety of outdoor living spaces. The design combines the character of old homes with the spaciousness, light, and energy efficiency of a new house. The owners happily report that they are still heating and cooling their house for an average of $2 per day. Photo: Jeremy Lange

Chapel Hill, NC