A family vacation home in Lorne, Australia, has been transformed from a deteriorating 1950s weatherboard house into a stunning three-level coastal retreat designed to accommodate multiple generations under one roof. The new treehouse-inspired residence, nestled between native gumtrees with panoramic views of Louttit Bay, represents more than three decades of family holiday memories along the Great Ocean Road and promises to serve the family for decades to come.
The original weatherboard home had served as the family's holiday destination for over 30 years, with generations making the drive down the famous Great Ocean Road to stay at the coastal property. However, as the old structure began to deteriorate, the family made the decision to replace it with a modern retreat that would better serve their multi-generational holiday needs while harmonizing with Lorne's unique natural environment.
"Our client wanted a house that could harmoniously accommodate many generations holidaying under one roof," explained architect Georgiana Quinn, who collaborated with Builders of Architecture on the project. "It was important [to them] that it felt you were in Lorne – and not Melbourne. Lorne is a special town where you can simultaneously feel like you are in the bush and on the beach."
The architectural design specifically aimed to capture the essence of a treehouse experience while taking full advantage of the site's stunning coastal views. "The house was to take advantage of the beautiful views of Louttit Bay and feel like a tree house nestled in the existing gumtrees and other natural features of the site," Quinn noted. This approach ensures that guests feel immersed in the natural landscape that makes Lorne such a distinctive destination.
The exterior design philosophy focused on environmental integration rather than architectural dominance. Using concrete, steel, and timber in neutral colors like grey and charcoal, the architects ensured the building would recede into its natural surroundings. Quinn was particularly careful not to compete with the area's natural color palette, explaining, "We didn't want the house to dominate the landscape but rather sit back and let the landscape shine around it."
The three-level floor plan centers around a carefully designed central courtyard, creating a gathering space where the family's many guests can come together. This central area serves as the heart of the home, facilitating the multi-generational interactions that were so important to the family's vision. The layout follows the natural slope of the site, with bedrooms strategically located on every level to maximize both privacy and views.
The main living areas occupy the heart of the home and are positioned to frame both the serene ocean views of Louttit Bay and the leafy canopy of surrounding gumtrees. This positioning allows residents and guests to enjoy the dual nature of Lorne's environment – simultaneously coastal and bushland – from the comfort of the interior spaces.
Construction presented significant challenges, particularly given the steep site conditions and weather complications. Craig Bullen, co-founder of Builders of Architecture, acknowledged that "building on the steep site during one of the wettest winters was no small feat." However, the team's decision to embrace the natural incline of the land proved beneficial for the home's environmental performance.
The steep site positioning allows the house to maximize coastal breezes flowing through the sliding glass doors, providing natural cooling during summer months. Additionally, the concrete structure's thermal mass offers passive warmth during winter while helping the home meet bushfire safety requirements specific to the location's environmental conditions.
The completed retreat now serves as a year-round destination designed to enhance the family's connection to Lorne's natural beauty. The home accommodates various seasonal activities and daily rhythms, from outdoor dinners following beach days to cozy evenings gathered around the fire, and quiet moments watching pink sunset skies filter through the surrounding trees. This modern treehouse-style retreat successfully bridges the gap between contemporary comfort and environmental harmony, ensuring future generations can continue the family tradition of Lorne holidays in a space that truly captures the essence of this unique coastal destination.
