RESIDENTIAL
Shortlisted – IDEA 2022 – Residential Single
Perched on a steep, sandy vantage point overlooking the rugged coastline of the Bass Strait the Sorrento House had to navigate a complex network of demands from brief, budget and a challenging site. The end result is a sensitive and elegant design to comfortably accommodate 4 generations of family and providing an abundance of views, breeze and vegetation through the deft manipulation of orientation and site levels. The grand curved rammed earth wall that immediately greets the visitor gently leads one in through the front door, tucked in out of sight from the street, and into the arresting entry void at the heart of the home. This light-filled two-storey volume connects the two distinct, perpendicular elements that make up the ground and first floor.
The ground level houses various service rooms as well as space dedicated to the youngest members of the family, all hunkered into the side of the slope with robust concrete and blockwork imbuing the building with a sense of solidity and safe harbour. Whereas transversely balanced over the top of this solid base floats the primary living areas and remaining bedrooms wrapped in a charred timber skin. The large, familial living area expands outwards to the view and a north facing terrace promoting entertaining and easy interaction between the indoors and the landscape beyond. The diversity of this coastal retreat’s eventual inhabitants inspired a playful but sophisticated interior design response with a variety of distinct wet areas to reflect the unique personalities of the family members.
Photography: Tania Lee
Land Size: 2032 m2
Stage: Complete
