Little Kern

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

Little Kern

CONTEMPORARY ESTATE

SQUARE FEET

15,000+

ESTATE GROUNDS

1.5+ acres

COMPLETED

2019

Little Kern is a commanding modern estate that explores the intersection of architecture, craftsmanship, and spatial drama. Set within a quiet wooded enclave in Charlotte, the residence unfolds as a series of expansive light-filled volumes anchored by sculptural stone fireplaces, gallery-like interiors, and an uncompromising attention to material detail.

From the moment of arrival, the home announces itself as something extraordinary. Clean geometric forms and expansive glazing establish a modern architectural language, while carefully choreographed interior sightlines reveal the scale and drama within. Each space was designed to balance openness with intimacy—allowing the home to function equally as a grand entertaining environment and a deeply comfortable private residence.

Little Kern was conceived not simply as a house, but as an immersive architectural experience—where light, texture, proportion, and craftsmanship combine to elevate everyday living.

PROJECT STUDY

How Little Kern came together

The challenge

Build a contemporary home that feels grand in scale yet calm to live in, on a wooded lot where the house should sit within the trees rather than dominate them.

Our approach

• Oriented the home to bring filtered daylight in throughout the day, with large windows that keep views and privacy.
• Anchored the two-story great room with a black marble fireplace and stone floors that carry light through the main level.
• Made the kitchen the gathering centre with a stone waterfall island, full-height white cabinetry and a separate prep kitchen.
• Gave the lower level its own living area, bar and glass wine room for entertaining.

The result

A five-bedroom contemporary residence, completed in 2019, that pairs dramatic volumes with warm, usable family rooms.

ARCHITECTURAL STAIR HALL

UPPER GALLERY OVERLOOK

SOARING GREAT ROOM PERSPECTIVE

MONUMENTAL STONE FIREPLACE

SCULPTURAL BLACK FIREPLACE DETAIL

WHITE KITCHEN & LIGHT

KITCHEN SYMMETRY & COMPOSITION

KITCHEN ISLAND & GATHERING

KITCHEN MATERIAL DETAIL

SECONDARY PREP KITCHEN

UPPER LEVEL KITCHENETTE

DRESSING GALLERY & DISPLAY

PRIMARY CLOSET & WARDROBE

SCULPTURAL SOAKING TUB & BATH

WALK-IN SHOWER ENVIRONMENT

SHOWER STONE DETAIL

OPEN LOWER LEVEL LIVING

LOWER LEVEL BAR & ENTERTAINING

GLASS-ENCLOSED WINE ROOM

Design Intent & Siting

The architectural vision behind Little Kern was rooted in creating a home that feels both monumental and serene. The residence embraces contemporary design principles—clarity of form, openness of space, and material authenticity—while maintaining the warmth and livability expected of a private family estate.

Positioned within a gently wooded setting, the home was carefully oriented to capture filtered natural light throughout the day. Expansive windows frame views of the surrounding landscape while maintaining privacy and tranquility. Rather than dominating the site, the structure feels embedded within it, with terraces and outdoor living areas extending the interior architecture outward into the natural environment.

Inside, dramatic vertical volumes define the experience of the home. Double-height living spaces, architectural stair halls, and expansive glazing create a sense of openness rarely found in residential construction. Every transition—from entry to great room, from stair hall to gallery landing—was intentionally designed to reveal new perspectives of the architecture.

Sculptural Space & Modern Refinement

The interiors of Little Kern are defined by their sculptural clarity and restrained elegance. Expansive stone flooring reflects natural light throughout the main living areas, amplifying the sense of openness and continuity within the home.

At the heart of the residence lies a dramatic great room anchored by a towering black marble fireplace that rises two stories in height. The stone's striking veining creates a powerful architectural focal point while reinforcing the home's modern design language. Above, contemporary lighting fixtures float within the volume like sculptural installations, emphasizing the height and openness of the space.

Floor-to-ceiling glass doors connect the interior living areas to outdoor terraces, dissolving the boundary between interior and exterior environments. The result is a living space that feels equally suited for quiet mornings overlooking the trees or large gatherings that flow effortlessly between indoor and outdoor settings.

Throughout the home, architectural simplicity allows materials and proportions to take center stage. Clean white walls, sharp detailing, and precise lines create a gallery-like backdrop for the home's furnishings, lighting, and art.

A Chef's Kitchen Designed as Architectural Centerpiece

The kitchen at Little Kern was designed not only as a culinary workspace but as a central gathering space within the home. A massive waterfall island in polished stone anchors the room, providing both preparation space and seating for casual entertaining.

Custom cabinetry stretches floor-to-ceiling in a seamless white palette, concealing integrated appliances and maximizing storage while maintaining visual simplicity. Professional-grade cooking equipment is framed by full-height stone backsplashes and minimalist floating shelving, allowing the materials themselves to become the design feature.

Above the island, sculptural glass and brass chandeliers add warmth and dimension to the otherwise minimalist architecture.

A secondary prep kitchen—finished in darker materials—provides additional functionality for large-scale entertaining while maintaining the pristine visual clarity of the primary kitchen space.

A Private Sanctuary

The primary suite at Little Kern was designed as a retreat within the residence—an environment of calm proportions, soft light, and understated luxury.

The bathroom is defined by a freestanding sculptural soaking tub positioned beneath a picture window overlooking the surrounding woodland canopy. Large-format stone panels clad the walls, creating a seamless and tranquil environment that feels more like a private spa than a traditional residential bathroom.

Dual floating vanities with integrated mirrors and warm metallic fixtures introduce subtle contrast against the luminous stone surfaces. The glass-enclosed shower features multiple fixtures, integrated niches, and precision detailing that reinforces the home's emphasis on craftsmanship.

Adjacent to the suite, a spacious dressing room features custom-built cabinetry and extensive shelving designed for both display and organization.

Architectural Movement Through Space

One of the defining moments within Little Kern is the central stair hall—an architectural volume where structure, light, and material converge.

The staircase rises through a double-height atrium framed by glass walls and open railings, creating a sense of floating movement between levels. Natural wood treads introduce warmth against the crisp white architecture, while slender black steel balusters reinforce the modern design language.

Above, the upper-level gallery overlooks the main living spaces, creating visual connections throughout the home and reinforcing the open spatial concept that defines the architecture.

Precision Construction & Material Integrity

The material palette at Little Kern was selected to emphasize contrast, clarity, and longevity.

Large-format stone flooring establishes a refined base throughout the main living areas, while architectural fireplaces in both white and black marble provide dramatic visual anchors within the interior.

Custom cabinetry, handcrafted metalwork, and precision glass installations reflect the level of craftsmanship required to execute a residence of this complexity.

Lighting throughout the home was carefully curated to complement the architecture rather than compete with it—allowing the interplay of natural light and shadow to remain the dominant visual element within each space.

Every detail—from stair railings to door hardware—was chosen with the intention of supporting the overall architectural narrative of the home.

Private Landscape & Outdoor Living

Set on more than 1.5 acres, Little Kern enjoys a secluded wooded setting that provides both privacy and a natural backdrop for the architecture.

Outdoor terraces extend the interior living spaces outward, allowing residents to experience the surrounding landscape throughout the seasons. Large sliding glass walls open directly onto these terraces, creating a seamless connection between interior gathering spaces and the natural environment.

As the surrounding landscape continues to mature, the property becomes increasingly integrated with its wooded surroundings—enhancing the sense that the residence is part of the land rather than simply placed upon it.

A Modern Architectural Landmark

Little Kern stands as one of the most striking contemporary residences completed in Charlotte in recent years. Its dramatic scale, disciplined material palette, and refined architectural detailing place it among the most distinctive private homes in the region.

More than simply a luxury residence, Little Kern represents a commitment to architectural clarity and uncompromising craftsmanship. It is a home designed not only to impress but to endure—an environment where thoughtful design elevates daily life.

Within the Peters Custom Homes portfolio, Little Kern exemplifies the firm's dedication to creating residences that transcend trends and stand as enduring architectural works.

LOCATION & SETTING

Southwest Charlotte, North Carolina

Little Kern is located in Southwest Charlotte, North Carolina — a rapidly evolving area that offers generous homesites and a sense of privacy within the greater Charlotte metropolitan area. The neighborhood provides convenient access to Charlotte's cultural amenities, the airport corridor, and the growing commercial districts of South Charlotte and Ballantyne.

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ESTATE LIVING

Signature Residences

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