A magnificent split level from Durham, North Carolina

This is a magnificent 2.800-square-foot split level from Durham, North Carolina. The zoning is tailored to fit a large family. There are four children's rooms,two up and two down; close by them are the kitchen, two baths and the recreation room. This grouping concentrates most activities at this end of the house, leaving the living, dining and master bedroom areas out of the main traffic flow.

The exterior is a striking blend of concrete masonry facing and wood trim - a combination that keeps its new look without much upkeep.

Each major area has a closely related outdoor area. The living-room is tranquil all day because of its location. And the deck through the big sliding glass doors offers a peaceful, no-traffic outdoor seating area for adults. 

The kitchen-family room works the same way. The inside area is a trim, efficient work center and headquarters for everyone in the family. Small children can play here - or outside the screened patio in front - under easy surveillance.

There's space here for a quick lunch at the counter - or an informal all-family breakfast at the table. A whoel wall of closests stores everything from toddlers' toys to special-occasions-only-china.

The lower-level patio blends with the big recreation room - and either teen-age or adult get-togethers there can expand outside without causing a ripple in the activities in the other parts of the house, inside or out. The patio floor is concrete with an exposed-aggregate finish. Redwood 2x4s, palced on edge , surround the concrete and break up the large expanse.

From the back, you can see another example of good indoor zoning moved outside. It's the private deck off the master bedroom at the right end of the house. The carport just beneath is partially open on one side; it could be enclosed.

Here, too, you get a good view of the excellent use of long-lasting exterior materials. The concrete masonry is applied in rectangular areas, witout the time-conuming labor required for window and door openings. Trim and siding around the glass areas are easily installed. Construction is fast and simple - and maintenace is confined to only a few small areas.