The Lorne Treehouse, designed by Keep Studio, represents a unique family collaboration that resulted in an innovative and cost-effective home. The residence serves as the personal home of William Davey, co-founding director of Keep Studio, and was constructed by his retired commercial builder father, Tim Davey. This father-son partnership inspired the entire design approach, creating a home that needed to be both structurally economical and simple enough for Tim and unskilled laborers to build on a budget of $450,000.
The project was conceived as a response to the high construction costs typical in the Surf Coast Shire area of Victoria, Australia. According to William, this financial limitation became a framework for innovation rather than a constraint. Throughout the construction process, the family took on multiple roles, pouring and setting up concrete, fabricating steel, handling all carpentry work, tiling, cabinetry, and even crafting all the doors by hand. This hands-on approach not only kept costs down but also ensured every detail reflected the family's vision.
The home's design carefully considers both present needs and future possibilities while addressing the challenges of building on a steep site. The elevated structure sits on bored piers, which William selected as the most non-intrusive footing system for the steep slope. This approach preserves the natural ground plane and minimizes disturbance to the existing site. The current floor plan spans two levels, perfectly suited for William and his partner Ruby, but includes strategic provisions for adding a third story under the main living room if needed in the future.
"We didn't want a house that had more than we needed," William explains. "Instead, we built a house with everything we currently need, and then in the future we can add to it if needed." This philosophy of adaptive design ensures the home can grow with the family's changing requirements without requiring major reconstruction.
Visitors enter the house through the upper level and descend an in-situ concrete spiral staircase to reach the main living space. This unique entry sequence creates a dramatic experience, as guests feel as though they are stepping onto solid ground, only to discover they are actually floating among the treetops. The design creates an immersive connection with the natural canopy while maintaining the structural integrity needed for the challenging site.
The home's architectural language draws inspiration from several modernist masters whom William admires, including Robin Boyd, Craig Ellwood, and Richard Neutra. The rectilinear form, thoughtful use of materials, and strong connections to nature all reflect the principles these architects championed. Six timber-framed porthole windows serve as a specific nod to Australian architect Richard Leplastrier, who frequently incorporates repeated circular windows in his projects.
"It adds a beachy nautical vibe, which we love," says William about the porthole windows. "Throughout the day when the sun is moving through the different portholes you get these beautiful light rings moving through the house highlighting the floor and walls." This dynamic lighting effect transforms the interior atmosphere as the day progresses, creating an ever-changing relationship between the home and its natural surroundings.
The interior detailing strikes a careful balance between cost-effective solutions and custom elements that give the home its distinctive character. The exterior cladding was designed to align perfectly with standard cement sheet dimensions, helping to control costs without compromising the design aesthetic. In the kitchen, practical stainless steel drawers from IKEA provide functional storage while keeping expenses reasonable. However, the eye is consistently drawn to custom cabinetry inspired by the organic forms of Antoni Gaudí, which adds artistic flair and personality to the space.
Rather than relying on conventional white walls, the material palette embraces softer, more natural tones including warm grays, calming greens, and earthy reds. These colors are complemented by extensive use of timber, predominantly recycled varieties, all native to Victoria. This choice not only supports local materials but also creates a strong sense of place and environmental responsibility.
William affectionately describes his home as functioning like a shed – a space that feels raw, open, and deeply connected to the outdoors. "At its most beautiful, the large top-hung blackbutt doors to the living room are wide open, the fire is lit, and the sound of rain drifts gently into the lounge," he adds. This vision of indoor-outdoor living captures the essence of the Australian lifestyle while demonstrating how innovative design and family collaboration can create something truly special within modest means.
