BUILDS & DESIGN
Sepi Residence
Location: Raleigh, NC
Project Type: New Construction Residence
Role: Design Team & Project Manager
Designed in the office of Frank Harmon Architect
This home was designed for an extraordinary woman—a bold, independent civil engineer who runs her own business with over 500 employees. She wanted a home that balanced privacy for her family with the ability to make a statement and host gatherings in open, welcoming spaces.
The design embraces a central courtyard and pool, around which the living spaces flow effortlessly.
The kitchen, dining, and living areas form a seamless connection, and this series of east- and west-facing rooms allow natural light to flood the interior, and prevailing breezes to naturally ventilate the space.
The high ceilings in the living room create an iconic, multifunctional space, anchored by a custom fireplace clad in patina copper panels—expertly crafted by a local roofer.
The screen porch serves as a great intermediary space between the open dining/kitchen and the pool courtyard. Her bedroom overlooks the pool, allowing her to wake up and dive into her morning laps first thing.
The copper fireplace was a true labor of love. A local roofer handcrafted the patina using vinegar, carefully aging each panel by individually. We then arranged the layout, selecting each piece for the perfect composition. To achieve a seamless look, he custom-hemmed the panels and secured them with hidden copper brackets - leaving no visible fasteners in the final design.
To achieve the sleek, thin rooflines, we cantilevered steel beams and tapered the roof framing at the overhangs. The contractor used a crane to precisely position the steel in the second-story roof.
Getting the pool filled with water was definitely an exciting day!
From the early stages of design to the final completion, this project brought together a talented team that overcame numerous challenges to bring this house to life. Cheers to Sepi and our team!
Every detail of this house reflects the client's personality—strong yet inviting, elegant yet effortless. This home is more than just a place to live; it’s a testament to who she is: a visionary, a leader, a mother, and a generous host.