Winterley

Not every project goes to plan. Some of the best ones don’t.

Winterly started as a renovation and extension to a much loved beach shack on a triple block in Old Point Lonsdale that had been in A and D’s family for generations. The original goal was simple. Freshen the home up, add some extra room and preserve as much of the existing structure as possible.

Once demolition began though, it became obvious the existing home was compromised beyond saving. The decision was made to bring the whole house down to the stumps, which completely shifted the direction of the build. The drawings went back to the drawing board, the permit was revised and A and D took the opportunity to really evolve the design while we were no longer constrained by the existing structure. Ceiling heights increased, rooms became wider, walls shifted outward and structural beams were concealed to create cleaner spaces throughout. This is the part of the job we love most. When something goes sideways and you find a way to turn it into something better than anyone originally planned.

A’s lifelong passion for sailing shaped a huge part of the home’s personality. Fishing trawler doors, salvaged boat lights, porthole windows and balconies inspired by sailing decks all work together in a way that feels subtle, authentic and completely unique to the home.

One of the biggest talking points is the original black cast iron staircase, salvaged years ago from a 180 year old Ballarat prison. Craning it out during demolition, storing it safely on site and reinstating it during framing was a challenge in itself, but absolutely worth it. Another fantastic addition during construction was the inclusion of three galvanised tanks stretching across the rear boundary, delivering 18,000 litres of rainwater storage while doubling as one hell of a privacy screen.

The rooftop balcony captures incredible views across the dunes, the lighthouse and the opening to Port Phillip Bay, while the sprawling decks and approach through the moonah trees give the home a feeling that’s hard to explain until you experience it in person.

Projects like Winterly are incredibly rewarding to be part of. Homes with this much personality, history and client input don’t come around every day, and bringing something so unique to life alongside clients like A and D sure is a bonus.