Anantha and Leigh Aiyyer, a science professor and symphony musician, had a goal to build a home in Carrboro, North Carolina that was in tune with their passions. And perhaps just as importantly, they wanted a comfortable place where they could eventually spend their retirement.
Thankfully, the 1,750-square-foot property that CUBE design + research built for them meets those standards.
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One of their biggest passions, architect Jason W. Hart said, was sustainability. So, the team studied the wooded site — taking in the way the sun moves throughout the day — and devised a layout with strategically-placed windows that maximized natural light. Once construction began, the firm cut down the least amount of trees possible to still accomplish privacy, installed ample insulation to save electricity, and created a rainwater catchment system so that the owners used less water. And as for their future golden years?
"The home is designed for aging-in-place with ground floor living, no raised curbs or thresholds at doors or showers, and proper clearance for a wheelchair if ever needed," Hart said. The house is now a haven where the couple can grow old together, all while being kind to the Earth. It doesn't get more harmonious than that.
