The Sorrento House

In the heart of Sorrento, our clients acquired a quarter-acre block and entrusted us with the task of designing a versatile home, serving as a holiday getaway and a future permanent residence. The brief was clear: a super-stylish and cool design, seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor spaces with influences from Scandinavian and mid-century modern styles.

The house needed to have a second-story offering breathtaking views, a separate but accessible bungalow for their soon-to-be teenage children, a solar-heated pool, and a roof deck with unobstructed views of the surrounding tea trees. Additionally, they requested at least four bedrooms, privacy from neighbors, and an unusual preference for a darker, moodier interior using plenty of timber, stone, and glass.

Given the busy road location, security and noise management were paramount. Instead of a solid fence, we opted for a brick wall at the front, defining the entry with a visually permeable batten fence and landscaping, blending harmoniously with the existing tea trees.

The ground floor's focal point became the striking kitchen, complemented by a butler's pantry and a concealed powder room. The floor also housed a separate living room, a master suite, and a study area or guest bedroom. Upstairs featured two more bedrooms, a bathroom, and a second living area with access to a terrace. An open spiral staircase led to the requested roof deck on the third level, achieved through collaborative work with the local council to comply with planning policies.

The solar-heated pool found its place behind the house, alongside the separate bungalow, primarily designated as the teenage crash-pad but versatile enough to serve as a guest room with its additional bathroom.

The house's exterior materials were carefully chosen to reflect the relaxed coastal landscape. Vertical timber cladding and weathering concrete adorned the structure, while the interior boasted thermally modified timber tongue and groove boards, complementing the elegant Atlas Green marble in the kitchen. Terrazzo flooring and light-toned brickwork added a touch of beachside lightness, softened by numerous curves to counterbalance the square edges.

The second sitting room, designed in collaboration with interior designer Simone Haag, introduced soothing green tones and featured a stunning mural by Charlotte Swiden in the master bedroom.

The finished home stood as a structurally robust design, capable of withstanding the impacts of our volatile climate. Passive thermal control techniques were incorporated, facilitating cross ventilation throughout the house, with strategically placed eaves and glass orientations to manage the sun at different times of the year. An early-installed solar system helped the client significantly reduce power bills during the construction period.

The house successfully met the brief, serving as an ideal holiday home for accommodating extended family and friends, with potential for future use as a single-level retirement home. The design perfectly captured the desired aesthetic while preserving the laid-back, beachside atmosphere of Sorrento.

Credit was given to the builder, Ryan Waterson from Waterson Build, who delivered an exceptional build during the pandemic, going above and beyond to ensure quality and even personally delivering materials through a storm. Clea Cregan from Miniscape Projects also received praise for the impressive landscape design, incorporating native trees and low-maintenance plants.

In conclusion, the quarter-acre Sorrento residence stood as a testament to exceptional design, meeting all client requirements and seamlessly blending stylish aesthetics with functional living spaces.