Orton Haus

Orton Haus is an urban oasis nestled in the heritage conservation area of coastal Merewether, a location that presented SDA with its own unique set of practical and regulatory challenges. Created for a working family longing to come home to the resort lifestyle, the house sits as a striking proposition that combines the subtle and welcoming comforts of the ideal and evolving family home, with the lavish yet tasteful statements of its ambitious modern design.

The home’s façade blends the simplicity and palette of its neighbouring cottages with a unique and contemporary approach to its exterior. Its geometric contours imitate the lines of the cottages with a modern twist. Despite the narrow lot presenting certain practical challenges, SDA were able to reconsider the vehicle configuration to utilise the full extent of the lot’s width without hampering the home’s aesthetic and geometric appearance from the street.

Inside, natural light features abundantly thanks to voluminous building profile, intermittent courtyards, and feature windows and skylights throughout. These work in concert with strong leading lines and curved walls, seamlessly blending the living areas and practical spaces and accentuating considered interior commitments. The raked ceiling and bespoke joinery work to create an expansive feel, while timber features ground the home in an earthy yet elegant ambience.

The form and layout of the building are employed carefully to introduce shade and privacy where the oversized windows and skylights would otherwise compromise it. The pool location and rear deck area ensure that the natural flow and sense of open space is achieved. A dynamic room opens out to the rear deck to respond to the changing needs of the young family and cleverly bookends the building to sensibly block the harsh western sun and screen the neighbours from their haven.

The Orton Haus project was a collaboration with two very motivated clients who were looking to not only build their dream home, but to showcase their craftmanship and flare for interior design. Justine and Luke, the husband-and-wife duo behind Orton Building, utilised their own skills as well as their network of local industry contacts to make the construction process of Orton Haus a showcase for both themselves and the local traders they work with.