Latest news with #LachlanShepherd
News.com.au
13-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
Expat experience shapes striking Highton home by architect Lachlan Shepherd
Architecturally designed, blending nature with contemporary elegance, this four-bedroom home is an example of masterful planning and construction. For the vendor, ensuring that the home catered to his family's needs was at the top of the priority list when purchasing the large corner block (approx. 1200sq m) in Highton eight years ago. 'We were drawn to the area and this block with its potential for a combination of private, family-friendly living with amazing convenience,' the vendor says. 'With approximately 50m of no-through road practically to ourselves, it gave our young boys the freedom to safely skateboard, shoot hoops, and kick the footy with barely any traffic flow.' This vision carried over to 72 Stoneleigh Cres, Highton's design by Surf Coast architect, Lachlan Shepherd, and the build by Phil Jessen of Torquay Homes. 'Lachlan didn't just understand our brief; he intuitively grasped the lifestyle we envisioned after returning from living in Shanghai for several years,' the vendor says. 'We wanted a home that allowed us to spend more time living and less time maintaining. His response was inspired: a low-maintenance, enduring blend of Corten steel, concrete, and glass that delivers a sleek, contemporary aesthetic without sacrificing warmth or function.' The vendor says the vision was 'expertly brought to life by Phil Jessen of Torquay Homes,' resulting in 'a striking architectural statement that's every bit a comfortable, lasting family haven'. The haven – featuring 4.2m-high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, intelligent zoning, and immersive connection to nature – has allowed the family of four to make lasting memories. 'From the start, this home was designed to be a place where memories are made. With two active boys immersed in sports and community life, it quickly became the go-to hub for birthdays, family gatherings, and countless casual catch-ups,' the vendor says. 'The layout and landscaping make entertaining effortless — whether it's a sunlit barbecue on the expansive silvertop ash deck, a poolside hangout that stretches into the evening, fireside chats by the pit, or backyard basketball on the in-ground trampoline and lawn.' With an array of impressive features, it's hard to choose favourites, the vendor says, but there are two that sit at the top of the list. 'The north-facing floor-to-ceiling double-glazed stacker doors and windows would have to top the list — they frame a panoramic outlook that shifts with the light and can be appreciated from virtually every corner of the home,' he says. 'In winter, the hydronic floor heating adds a quiet luxury — no fans, no dust, just a radiant warmth that rises from your toes to your head.' McGrath, Geelong agent Mergim Ibrahimi is handling the sale of 72 Stoneleigh Cres, Highton. Price hopes are $2.79m to $2.95m.
News.com.au
26-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
Lachlan Shepherd-designed home brings minimalist luxury to Highton
A striking 'architectural marvel' framing sweeping views over the Highton valley has come to market for the first time. Surf Coast architect Lachlan Shepherd designed the minimalist, four-bedroom house at 72 Stoneleigh Cres, Highton, for the vendors several years ago. McGrath agent listing agent Mergim Ibrahimi said he had always been curious about what lay behind its private, low-slung facade. First-timers' surprise win at Geelong West 'It's a home that I have always driven past and always wondered about and now I am lucky enough to be selling it,' he said. 'And it lived up to my expectation.' The luxury home, constructed from durable concrete, glass and corten steel that extends into the living room, is selling with $2.79m to $2.95m price hopes. With amazing views to the north, it's little wonder the split-level design turns it back on the street, instead focusing attention on a rear vista that extends all the way to the You Yangs. Throw in a swimming pool, entertainer's deck and an in-ground trampoline and you have all the ingredients for a dream family lifestyle. 'The home offers a lot and it is luxury of a high standard however it's got a really minimalist feel to it,' Mr Ibrahimi said. 'Nothing is overdone but you can feel the quality when you walk in the front door – that view, the architecture, the natural light just hits you in the face. 'It's the first thing you see and it give you a sense that the home is something quite special to the market place. I have not seen another one like it.' He said the home's thermally efficient design was another triumph that meant airconditioning was only required when there were several 40-plus degree days in a row. Clerestory windows to the north and south of the central living pavilion can also be remotely opened and closed to allow for cross ventilation and cooling as required. Architect Mr Shepherd said floor-to-ceiling windows harnessed the winter sun and connected the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge to the pool deck. 'We wanted the home to engage with both its immediate surroundings and the broader landscape,' he said. 'By elevating the pool to floor level and using concrete blockwork, we created a seamless visual flow drawing the eye across the water to the horizon.'
