Nestled along Victoria’s rugged coastline, Dorman House by Austin Maynard Architects is a poetic balance of preservation and innovation. The project transforms a humble 1960s beach shack into a modern coastal retreat by suspending a new timber box above the existing structure — a design that honors the past while embracing contemporary living.
Project Overview
Located in the seaside town of Lorne, Australia, the Dorman family’s cherished shack faced a familiar challenge: it was aging, modest, and lacked views of the ocean. Instead of demolishing and rebuilding, Austin Maynard Architects proposed an elegant and sustainable solution — to preserve the existing structure and add a carefully crafted timber pavilion above it.
The architects’ guiding philosophy was simple: don’t erase history, elevate it. By raising the new addition on a lightweight timber frame, the team minimized ground disturbance and maintained the integrity of the original dwelling. The elevated box houses the main living, dining, and kitchen spaces, granting panoramic views of the Southern Ocean.
Design Concept
The design is defined by its visual restraint and thoughtful composition. The hovering addition doesn’t dominate the original shack but instead floats delicately above it, blending into the surrounding bushland. Clad in silvertop ash, the timber will naturally grey over time, allowing the structure to age gracefully within the coastal setting.
Austin Maynard Architects are known for playful yet deeply contextual architecture. In their own words:
“We wanted to preserve the old shack and its memories, not replace it. Dorman House is about respect — for what was already there, for the landscape, and for the idea that small, considered architecture can have big impact.” — Austin Maynard Architects
The contrast between old and new is celebrated rather than concealed. The existing shack retains its humble charm, painted white and repurposed for sleeping and utility functions, while the new structure above expresses lightness and modern craftsmanship.
Materials & Details
Material honesty is at the heart of Dorman House. The upper addition is constructed from a heavy timber frame, left exposed internally to reveal the structure’s rhythm. Externally, vertical silvertop ash cladding reinforces the home’s connection to nature. The undercroft — the space beneath the elevated volume — is enclosed in translucent polycarbonate sheeting, creating a luminous base that glows softly at night.
Inside, timber dominates. Silvertop ash floors and ceilings infuse the spaces with warmth and tactility, while expansive glazing draws in light and ocean views. The interiors are minimal yet inviting, defined by clean lines and subtle tonal harmony.
Interior Design
Accessed by a spiral staircase, the new upper level unfolds as an open-plan living area flooded with daylight. The kitchen, dining, and lounge flow seamlessly, oriented toward sweeping coastal panoramas. A sheltered deck extends from the living zone, offering a perch over the treetops where the sea breeze filters through.
Material transitions are understated — timber cabinetry, matte finishes, and soft furnishings create an atmosphere of calm. The architects have carefully balanced openness and intimacy, ensuring that even with its breathtaking view, the space feels grounded and serene.
Sustainability & Innovation
Sustainability at Dorman House begins with conservation. By retaining the original shack, the architects significantly reduced demolition waste and preserved the embodied energy of existing materials. The project’s footprint is compact, efficient, and responsive to its site’s natural topography.
Passive solar design principles underpin the home’s performance: north-facing glazing maximizes winter sunlight, while deep eaves and operable windows ensure natural ventilation and summer shading. A water tank beneath the structure collects rainwater for irrigation and toilet flushing, reinforcing the home’s self-sufficiency.
The decision to “hover” the new structure not only protected the land’s delicate ecology but also minimized excavation and soil compaction — a gesture of architectural humility that enhances both sustainability and longevity.
Conclusion
Dorman House Austin Maynard is more than a renovation; it’s a manifesto for sustainable coastal architecture. By lifting rather than replacing, the architects preserved both memory and material — proving that intelligent design can transform modest beginnings into lasting beauty. With its light touch, natural material palette, and deep respect for context, Dorman House remains a defining example of how Australian architecture continues to lead in adaptive, climate-conscious design.
Explore more innovative projects by Austin Maynard Architects and discover how their playful, sustainable approach continues to reshape contemporary living.
