A 1960s Beach House – Sorrento House by Cera Stribley

Photography by Derek Swalwell

Built on the clifftop at Sorrento, on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, the 1960s home originally by McGlashan Everest Architects was brought into the present by Cera Stribley.

The clients had held back on altering anything at house for a decade, as they wanted to ensure they made the right decisions on the brief and that any renovation was undertaken sensitively. The ensuing brief was to preserve and enhance the original design while upgrading the building to include more ‘mod cons’ and technology that would allow the clients to spend more time there.

Some alterations to the original floor plan where made to ensure the multi-generational family could all use the spaces in a comfortable manner. Whilst the original modernist style and unique design elements were retained and built on, the timber building was gently deconstructed, board by board and meticulously stored so it could be re-assembled. Hydronic heating was installed throughout, all windows were double glazed, and hidden block-out blinds added along with a many of the other conveniences expected to be found in a new home.

The 1960s home originally by McGlashan Everest Architects was brought into the present by Cera Stribley.

The kitchen and wet areas where all redesigned, however they still fit in seamlessly with the restrained pallet and pure detailing that is synonymous with the original house and typical of McGlashan Everest work of the era. The engagement of artisan trades such as canvas stretchers to restore the ceiling and specialist timber finishers for the joinery and walls made the overall project a success.

The clients had held back on altering anything at house for a decade, as they wanted to ensure they made the right decisions on the brief and that any renovation was undertaken sensitively.

The engagement of artisan trades such as canvas stretchers to restore the ceiling and specialist timber finishers for the joinery and walls made the overall project a success.