Tucked into the wooded hills of Chatham County, this modern gem offers a Chapel Hill address just outside the Governors Club. The entrance to Lystra Preserve winds through trees, with curves that reveal and hide the road ahead. If you’re not paying attention, you might miss the turn into this hidden modern oasis.

This home, known as a “modern minimal luxury ranch,” blends beauty, symmetry, and function. It’s not just the owners who are in love with it.

North Carolina’s Best Modern Home

This showpiece was designed by ThoughtCraft Architecture and built by BOLD Construction. In 2022, it won the George Matsumoto Prize, the highest honor for Modernist homes in North Carolina. It also earned the AIA SAR Design Award that same year.

As George Smart, Executive Director of NC Modernist, explains:

“It’s interesting that the jury’s top selection was a little more postmodern than we usually see – it’s beautifully handled, and there’s a flat roof component that makes it more modern. There was a very clear consensus on the Lystra Preserve home being the top one for its simplicity, detail, elegant seating, modular nature and different pavilions.”

Designed for Connection and Calm

The vision for this home focused on connection. Connection to nature, to movement, and to time itself. Architect Jason Hart described it as celebrating daily routines. Each space invites you to slow down and enjoy the moment.

“Architecture is a long process, and it’s always exciting to see it come together. And it’s even more exciting when it’s really a work of art. At the end of the day, we’re just really delighted and excited and thrilled to win this.” said Hart.

Building a Bold Vision

For BOLD Construction, bringing this design to life was a rewarding challenge.

“Working with open-minded clients and skilled design partners is incredible. Seeing a smart concept rise from the ground is the best part of what we do,” said Jason Dell, owner of BOLD Construction.

Smart Design for Easy Living

The homeowners had a clear goal. After living in large homes with wasted space, they wanted something different. Their vision was a home that embraced outdoor living and made movement through the space effortless. It also needed to be retirement-friendly.

To meet these goals, ThoughtCraft designed four separate pavilions:
Sleeping, Living, Auto, and Recreation. A connecting hallway, called “the ribbon,” ties them together. As you walk along this ribbon, you’re guided through changing views, scales, and outdoor spaces.

Blending Indoor and Outdoor Spaces

The Living Pavilion and pool create a strong line of symmetry. Around them, landscaped courtyards soften the layout and create moments of calm.

Wood slat screens provide shade, privacy, and beautiful patterns of light and shadow. These shifting details bring the home to life throughout the day.

Materials That Stand the Test of Time

Durability was a key priority. The home’s exterior features Shou Sugi Ban Accoya wood, chosen for its strength and eco-friendly qualities. This wood was lightly charred, brushed for texture, and sealed for long-lasting beauty.

Inside, soft gray tones create a calming backdrop. This allows nature’s greens to stand out, changing with the seasons.

A Home That Moves With You

Separating the home into distinct pavilions encourages movement and exploration. Between each pavilion, small garden courtyards invite you outside. The pool deck and entry garden add even more opportunities to connect with nature.

This layout not only honors Modernist design but also enhances how the owners experience their home each day.

A True Collaboration

BOLD Construction is proud to have partnered with ThoughtCraft and the homeowners on this award-winning project. Together, they created a home that blends form, function, and beauty — a modern masterpiece in Chapel Hill.