The Haw River House!
A 2020
George Matsumoto Prize Winner
Saturday, May
3, 10-2pm
196 Paces Mill Trail, Pittsboro, North
Carolina
Designed by Arielle Condoret Schechter, who will be there to talk with tour participants!
SOLD OUT!
On one of the most extraordinary sites in central North Carolina, this exquisite property of 21 acres faces the banks of the majestic Haw River, with about a mile of private riverside trails - and wildlife including deer, otters, beavers, bald eagles, blue herons, ospreys, warblers, and kingfishers.
Built in 2020 and designed by Arielle Condoret Schechter, recognized among Forbes Magazine's 200 Best Residential Architects of 2025. With a stunning setting and breathtaking views of the river's most picturesque section, the house features net-zero technology, including a rooftop solar array, geothermal heating and cooling, triple-glazed European passive house windows and doors, and one of the state's most advanced water catchment systems with dual 5,000-gallon cisterns. There's also an infinity pool and a separate workshop building with exercise room. Built by Village Building Company. Photos by Tzu Chen.
Plus, two additional structures on the 21-acre property: a fully-functional private yurt and a garage/workshop (not designed by Schechter).
Born in Algeria, Arielle Condoret Schechter moved to Chapel Hill in 1962. "After graduating from the NC School of the Arts, she attended the Juilliard School of Music playing the bassoon. Next came the NCSU School of Design where she studied with Frank Harmon and Harwell Harris. Her nickname at NCSU was "Modie" for her ardent devotion to Modernism, even in the face of much more popular post-Modernism. Graduating in 1987, she worked on some projects with her Dad, noted Chapel Hill architect Jon Condoret, until the mid-1990s when she became principal of her own firm. In 2014 she launched a new series of small house designs called Micropolis Houses®, a collection of customizable Modernist homes from 150 to 1500 sf. Photos by Jon Condoret and Allen Weiss. She has been featured in: Green Building and Design, Atomic Ranch, Residential Design, Inhabitat, Chapel Hill Magazine, Residential Design, Architects and Artisans, Chatham Magazine, and Archello.com.
Important: Directions to 196 Paces Mill Trail
Make sure your phone or GPS takes you to the east side of the Haw River, to match the map below. Allow 20 minutes from Chapel Hill, 40 from RTP, 60 from Raleigh. The drive out to the house is rural and beautiful. You'll check in at the gate with an NCModernist volunteer, then drive the mile-long one-track driveway through a lovely forest along the Haw River in small groups of cars.
The Fine Print
Tickets are not mailed; your name will be on a list at registration.
Once payment is made, there are no refunds for any reason except for tour cancellation.
However, you can transfer tickets to others - just have them ask for the tickets in your name at registration.
To protect floors, please remove shoes or bring booties before entering the house.
Please do not attend if you are experiencing COVID symptoms or have tested positive within a week of the tour.
Participants must sign a liability waiver before entering.
Architects can get self-reported CEU hours if arranged in advance with the AIA.
Participants are welcome to take photos inside and outside.
Strollers are not allowed, but carried children are free. No food, drink, or smoking inside. Bathrooms are not available onsite.
For tour inquiries, please contact Devra Dubroff, devra@usmodernist.org.
Proceeds benefit NCModernist, a 501C3 nonprofit documenting, preserving, and promoting North Carolina residential architecture.