Light House

2019
Traditional lands of the Jagera and Turrbal people

Shaun Lockyer’s family home embodies a deeply personal journey, reflecting both his architectural ethos and life experiences. The house has evolved over 18 years, with 11 renovations marking significant phases in the Lockyer family’s life, from early parenthood to an emptying nest.

Initially inspired by modernist icons like Louis Kahn and Oscar Niemeyer during his studies in Cape Town, Lockyer’s practice embraces a fusion of solidity and mass with a strong connection to place. The house, particularly through its "lighthouse" addition, integrates lightness and openness to the original post-war structure, while also celebrating memory and continuity. Art collection, particularly Indigenous works, has played a pivotal role in grounding the family in their new home and country, offering shared meaning and a connection to the land.

While the home contrasts the robust, climate-responsive designs SLa is known for, it reflects Shaun's core values of engagement with the environment and thoughtful integration of inside and outside spaces. Ultimately, the home is more than architecture—it is a lived narrative, a collection of memories, and a testament to the ongoing evolution of the Lockyer family’s story.

Shaun Lockyer for SLa