Lorne rewards architects who understand it. Steep sites, strict planning overlays, and a community with clear views about how new development should relate to the existing character — these are the conditions that define every project here.
The existing house
A classic mid-century cream brick veneer dwelling — the kind of home that defines the older parts of Lorne's residential streets. Solid, well-positioned, and with planning constraints that ruled out significant ground-level changes. The clients wanted more space and, if possible, a piece of the view.
The design challenge
The site is very steep. An upper-level addition on a steep Lorne block that also needs to satisfy the Significant Landscape Overlay — requiring a low profile that doesn't break above the tree canopy when viewed from public places — is a genuinely complex design problem.
The response
Rather than fighting the slope, we used it. The addition hugs the contours of the land, stepping with the natural fall of the site rather than projecting above it. The profile reads as a continuation of the existing roofline — sympathetic to the mid-century character of the original house while being clearly of its own time.
The reward for this careful approach is a large deck positioned to maximise the outlook over Lorne Beach — a generous outdoor room that captures the views the existing house could only glimpse.
The outcome
More space, a spectacular outlook, and a planning permit achieved through design intelligence rather than compromise.
Type: Upper level addition Location: Lorne, Surf Coast Services: Architectural design, planning permit, documentation
Planning an extension in Lorne? The planning environment here is complex — call Jeremy on 0402 952 810 before you start.
