Designed by Studio Gorman and architect Peter Tout, Harbour House goes beyond visual appeal and stands proudly as a multi-sensory experience, simulating the feeling of living in a James Turrell installation.

Transcending fleeting societal trends, Studio Gorman designs homes that serve as intimate reflections of each client’s personal style and narrative. Harbour House – located in the quiet residential neighbourhood of Sydney’s lower North Shore – is the transformation of a three-level ‘80s residence, which authentically embodies the owner’s playful yet relaxed personality.

Envisioned by Studio Gorman and architect Peter Tout, Harbour House goes beyond visual appeal and stands proudly as a multi-sensory experience, simulating the feeling of living in a James Turrell installation.

Harbour House combats the societal taboo that the appeal of the ‘shoulder pad decade’ is no longer relevant and melds the unsophisticated aesthetic of the ’80s with a charismatic residential interpretation of the era – all of which is in tune with the demands of today’s design milieu.

Akin to any heritage home with a storied past, the owners wanted to imprint their identity onto the property, reconfiguring the floorplan to reflect their lifestyle in both conspicuous and nuanced ways. Harbour House is anchored by a simple yet flexible floorplan, achieving a sense of space that is open and communal while maximising natural light. Each space etched on the floorplan has a distinctive connection and orientation to the outdoors and the connectivity of internal spaces was reconfigured to improve the quality of life for the family.

The vision for the first floor was informed by the desire to entertain. The expansive kitchen, dining and living areas are on the entry-level and flow through to the terrace balcony with framed views of the harbour. The selective use of glass further reinforces a connection to the landscape, while allowing for ample natural light to filter through the surrounding vegetation and illuminate the home throughout the day.

The contemporary reiteration honours the site narrative, retaining the original idiosyncratic features, while overlaying contemporary amenities. The porthole windows and spiral staircase act as the central spine of the three-story home. The flamboyant era of 1980s Miami is distinguishable in the puffy furniture, curved surfaces and pastels that capture the zeitgeist. And as for the powder room? It’s like stepping into a time capsule filled with the clashing vibrancy of the ‘80s.

The material palette is rich with durable and natural finishes, paying homage to the owner’s love of organic materiality and light-filled spaces while improving the liveability of the home. The curation of robust and colourful furniture adds a sculptural dimension to the interiors. And the use of terrazzo floors, splashes of pastel colour and a combination of marble and brass infuse the home with personality.

Harbour House was an entry in The Interior Space category of the 2023 INDE.Awards – entries for the 2024 INDE.Awards are now open.

Project details

Traditional custodians – Gadigal people
Interior Design – Studio Gorman
Original architecture – Peter Tout
Project lead – Suzanne Gorman
Builder – DCB
Photography – Prue Ruscoe

DISSECTIONS

Furniture
Jardan. Grazia & Co. The Woodroom. Space Furniture.

Lighting
Apparatus. iGuzzini.

Finishes
Dulux. Porters Paints. Nash Timbers. Anterior XL Stone.

Fittings & Fixtures
Astra Walker. Sub-Zero. Two Tease.