Sorrento House
A timeless waterfront residence, Sorrento House embodies a multilayered approach to indoor-outdoor living. Designed by BDA Architecture, the modern home champions natural materials and a considered spatial flow.
Set on a canal front in Gold Coast, Queensland, Sorrento House engages with both the vibrant waterway and its residential surrounds. Elevated terraces capture expansive views over the canal, while the landscaping draws on the character of the local greenery. Inspired by its coastal context, the home adopts a modernist style of cantilevered volumes that extend outdoor living areas. Deep overhangs establish a clean-lined structure, creating pockets of shade throughout the day. The clarity of the form is complemented by a palette of natural materials that lend warmth and texture. Timber, stone and patterned breezeblocks provide a robust yet inviting foundation, while olive trees woven into the terraces anchor the home in nature.
The journey begins at a private forecourt that flows from the front wall to a deep-set entrance. Vertical timber cladding defines either side of the entry and continues across the lower half of the building, concealing the garage door. Inside, the entry level contains a gym, media room and rear living spaces, all united by an open gallery where the residents showcase their artwork. In the central courtyard, a mature olive tree becomes the focal point. Throughout the dwelling, communal and private zones are carefully arranged to encourage an harmonious living experience, and ascending the angular stair in the gallery leads to a quiet bedroom level with rooftop access.
While the bedrooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding outlooks, the rooftop opens to broader views across the canal and suburb. These sightlines form part of a layered strategy to connect the home with its natural setting. In the living, kitchen and dining areas, sliding glass doors and flush thresholds dissolve the boundary between inside and out, enabling a seamless transition to the terrace and pool deck. The outdoor spaces are positioned to enhance passive performance, drawing in natural light and promoting cross-ventilation. Across the upper level, timber shutters serve a similar purpose, regulating sunlight and heat during the day.
Honouring its location, Sorrento House balances the residential comfort of its suburb with the luxury of canal-side living. Through modern forms, natural materials and an intuitive spatial layout, BDA Architecture has crafted a durable coastal retreat.
Architecture by BDA Architecture. Interior design by Beckspace. Build by Austen Ritchie Builder. Landscape design by LDG Landscape Architecture and JSW Landscapes & Design. Timber flooring by Tongue & Groove. Tiles and benchtops by CDK Stone. Appliances by Smeg.
