Norris House
The Brief & Vision
A light-filled family home in a beachside suburb — that was the starting point for Norris House. Our clients wanted a home that would capture the relaxed, optimistic energy of coastal living while providing the practical, durable spaces that a young family needs. The brief emphasised natural light above all else — every room needed to feel bright, open, and connected to the sky.
Working with Adams Building Design, the design emerged as a response to both the site's opportunities and its constraints. The beachside location offered proximity to the water and beautiful coastal light, but the suburban context required sensitivity to neighbours and streetscape.
Site & Design Response
The home is designed to draw light deep into the plan, with highlight windows, clerestory glazing, and carefully positioned openings that ensure even the centre of the home feels bright and airy. The orientation maximises northern solar gain to the living spaces, while bedrooms are positioned to catch morning light and remain cool in the afternoons.
The floor plan is organised around family life — an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen zone forms the heart of the home, with direct access to a sheltered outdoor entertaining area. The external form is clean and contemporary, with a considered palette of materials that sit comfortably within the beachside streetscape.
Materials & Living
Material selection was guided by the coastal environment — everything needed to withstand salt air, occasional storms, and the general wear and tear of family life with beach access. External materials are low-maintenance and durable, while internal finishes are warm, tactile, and hardwearing.
The kitchen is the social hub — designed for a family that cooks together, with bench space that doubles as homework station, breakfast bar, and gathering point. Bathrooms are practical and refined, with tiling and fixture selections that create a sense of freshness and quality. Outside, the landscape is planted with coastal-hardy species that will soften the building's edges over time.
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