A four-bedroom holiday house in Lorne, Victoria.  

The building was designed to walk in from street - living, kitchen, dining, bedroom, bathroom, deck with secondary kitchen, bedroom, bath and living areas below / lock-off for separate use without disturbing the area above. Extended family members can use separate levels of the house without intruding on each other. The north side is completely clad with laser cut screens to break up sun penetration, retain privacy and limit heat gain. 

The use of screens creates dappled light reflecting the forest beyond. Aboriginal line drawings were referenced to create screens, which provide moving shadows like water across the interior, changing through the day and the seasons. Inspired by artist Emily Kane Kngwarreye’s work: ‘Soakage Bore’ 1995 in 12 panels create ‘precincts’ separate areas for distinct uses by different family members on varied occasions The residence is an uplifting space opening out to spectacular view over the bay. Remarkable shifting quality of light cast through screens to the north, kept warm by passive solar energy tempered by ability to open up and enjoy breezes. 

A suspended sculptural fireplace lends intimacy and warmth as counterpoint to expansive views out over the bay opposite. The ability to park at street level and enter the house on one level, with all facilities available, make it suitable for occupants of any age. This was a critical part of the brief - low maintenance and functional for a couple or extended family. The brief was collaboration, as was the build, with the long-term client. The engineering was by the client, the construction by their son (who we’ve had as a client and builder in his own right). The process was punctuated by conversation and good dinners along the way.  

Location: Lorne, Victoria, Australia 

Photo Credit: Sharyn Cairns