I recognized it from a magazine article I had read a number of years ago about a new home designed for a retired couple in North Carolina. I remember being really impressed with the sophisticated efficiency of the home, which seemed to borrow from Japanese design both in its aesthetics and in the way the home makes so much of each small space.
This one photo led me to the website of Raleigh, NC, architect Tina Govan, who designed this and a number of other equally compelling new and renovated homes.
Poke through her online portfolio yourself, and you'll discover homes in a variety of different styles that speak well to the personalities of her clients and the unique features of the building sites and existing structures. As varied as the homes are, though, all of them feature efficient and thoughtful use of space, interesting interior sight lines, and great indoor-outdoor connections, including pleasing outdoor living spaces. Many of the homes also incorporate environmentally friendly materials and design elements, as well as subtle -- or not so subtle -- Japanese design touches.
My favorite out of all her designs is the Eich Residence in Tennessee. On the exterior, I love the barn-like collection of structures sited to create a sheltered courtyard, as well as the colors, the handsome metal roof, and the Japanese elements such as the rain chains and the decorative slatted walls along the garage. Inside, I love the open plan, the floor-to-ceiling windows, and all the warm wood tones.
Here are a few more great photos from other projects in Govan's portfolio. To see more images, or to read about these and other projects, click on over to her website.
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