MY HOME Vol. 2 - Dorrigo Project, Woonona

Designed by - House Studio
Built by - Ryder Built
House 1 Tapware - MY AVENUE Gun Grey
House 1 Hardware - MY AVENUE Brushed Nickel
House 2 Tapware - MY AVENUE Antique Brass
House 2 Hardware - MY AVENUE Antique Brass
Captured by - Annie Kind

On a quiet coastal street in Woonona, where the beach sits just at the end of the road, Project Dorrigo proves that two homes can share the same site, yet tell completely different stories.

Designed by Grainne of House Studio - who also owns and developed the project - the residences sit side-by-side but were never intended to be your typical duplex. Instead, each home was conceived as its own architectural expression, sharing a common design philosophy while embracing completely distinct material palettes and identities.

From the outset, Grainne’s intention was clear.

“We wanted to create homes that felt calm and quietly luxurious, yet have their own unique personality.”

Rather than leaning into overt beach-house clichés, the design approach focused on proportion, materiality and natural light. Grainne describes the result as “coastal restraint” - interiors that feel relaxed and grounded in their environment, yet elevated through thoughtful detailing and timeless materials.

This philosophy plays out differently in each residence.

House One leans into a cooler, contemporary palette. While the stone selections remain soft and creamy in tone, they are contrasted with darker features. The bold black steel elements on the façade create a striking presence, softened by gentle curves in the design. MY AVENUE Gun Grey tapware and Brushed Nickel hardware reinforce this refined palette.

Next door, House Two offers a softer interpretation of coastal luxury. White interiors and warm oak timbers introduce brightness and warmth, while MY AVENUE Antique Brass tapware and hardware bring depth and quiet richness to the spaces. The finish complements the natural materials beautifully, adding subtle character without overpowering the palette.

Each home spans three levels, connected by a lift, and features four bedrooms along with sunlit outdoor spaces complete with plunge pools.

Together, the homes feel distinct yet harmonious - two interpretations of coastal living, grounded in thoughtful material choices and calm, timeless design.

The original dwelling on the site failed to maximise light or connection between living spaces, so replacing it with two carefully considered homes allowed the land to be used more thoughtfully, while still respecting the character of the neighbourhood.

The site’s orientation and natural light became key drivers in the design process. Northern sunlight was carefully drawn into the main living zones, ensuring the homes feel bright and warm throughout the year while reducing reliance on artificial heating.

Sustainability wasn’t treated as an afterthought, but embedded in passive design principles from the outset - a reflection of Grainne’s design experience and considered approach to creating homes that perform just as beautifully as they look. 

Turco Argento and Arabescato marble, and natural stone tiles appear alongside herringbone flooring which grounds the interiors with warmth and craftsmanship.

Tapware and door hardware from MY AVENUE were selected to complement each palette, their refined forms adding subtle sophistication while aligning with the project’s emphasis on durability and considered detailing. 

At the centre of each home sits the kitchen - conceived not just as a functional workspace, but as a sculptural focal point. Statement islands anchor the spaces, with open-plan living areas flowing seamlessly towards the outdoor zones.

Delivering this level of detail required equally considered construction.

The homes were brought to life by Luke Ryder and the team at Ryder Built, whose craftsmanship and attention to detail ensured the architectural vision translated seamlessly into the finished spaces.

As both designer and developer, living within one of the homes with her daughter allows Grainne to experience the spaces exactly as they were intended. Of course, she admits that as someone who is always excited by the idea of another project, this may only be temporary.

The neighbouring residence is now available for sale, offering another family the opportunity to enjoy the same considered design and coastal lifestyle.

“The homes sit on a beautiful street with the beach at the end, and the lifestyle this affords is truly special.”

But beyond the architecture itself, the project speaks to a wider philosophy - that established suburbs with generous blocks can evolve in ways that support demand. 

The region continues to attract a steady influx of new residents each year, drawn by the promise of coastal living while remaining connected to Sydney. With the city just a 90-minute train ride away, forecasts suggest the Wollongong–Shellharbour region could welcome more than 60,000 additional residents by 2036.

With this growth comes the need for more housing, and designers like Grainne are increasingly sought after to deliver thoughtful multi-residence projects. Her experience and knowledge of this evolving landscape have allowed Project Dorrigo to respond to that demand while preserving the character that draws people to the South Coast in the first place.

Project Dorrigo proves that thoughtful development doesn’t have to come at the expense of neighbourhood character. Through careful design and the passion of someone who understands the region, Grainne has created two beautiful homes that feel considered rather than generic - homes that contribute to the neighbourhood while preserving the character and community spirit that make places like Woonona so special.