81B Orton Street

Born of an inspired collaboration between Cotter Reid Architects and MOKK studio, the immaculate 'Lightbox House' has been conceived as a family home that expertly balances the ease of a holiday retreat with the practical demands of daily life. Featured by acclaimed home and architecture publication The Design Files, the residence is a striking example of thoughtful contemporary design, where refined aesthetics and effortless functionality exist in perfect harmony. Positioned less than 250m from the glistening shoreline in one direction, and the buzz of The Terrace in the other, the home offers a thoughtful emphasis on space and privacy, creating a peaceful sanctuary that belies its ultra-convenient setting. A sleek yet understated exterior profile establishes a distinctive street presence, while the polycarbonateclad, backlit garage adds a playful flourish that gestures toward the lightness and fun woven within. With a contemporary nod to mid-century modern design, skylights, soaring pitched ceilings, and expanses of glazing capture every means of natural light across two sublime levels, as a stunning use of Victorian Ash flooring, VJ panelling, and stone benchtops offer refined elegance and exclusivity. Under a 5-metre pitched ceiling, grand open-plan living is anchored by a premium entertainer's kitchen flaunting a full suite of Fisher & Paykel appliances including induction cooktop, twin wall ovens, and integrated dishwasher and fridge/freezer. Triple-stacked sliding doors flow effortlessly to a north-facing outdoor haven that's purpose-designed for entertaining not maintaining, with a full width alfresco deck overlooking the architecturally landscaped Mud Office gardens. Back inside, the main bedroom offers divine parental retreat in which a fully fitted walk-in robe is complemented by a chic, fully-tiled ensuite, themed to the two additional skylit bathrooms including the main with an internally contoured bathtub. A two-bedroom children's zone with its own generous living space creates the perfect family sanctuary, while a downstairs studio or second main bedroom with ensuite and private alfresco space offers incredible versatility. Every element has been curated for comfort and performance multi-zone reverse cycle climate control, double glazed windows and doors, 10.5kW solar with 13kW battery backup, plus a double garage, security cameras, ABI Interiors fixtures, Euro laundry, and a fitted study nook that's ideal for students and the home-based professional. Make your move into a prized coastal neighbourhood and discover a unique sanctuary of rare calibre. -An architect-designed family sanctuary, positioned just 250m to the beach and The Terrace -Streamlined façade with playful backlit garage for standout street appeal -Mid-century inspired interiors with extensive glazing, soaring ceiling heights, and refined finishes -Light-filled open-plan living with premium Fisher & Paykel kitchen and seamless north-facing alfresco -Flexible accommodation includes plush main suite, children's zone, and versatile studio/guest accommodation -High-performance comfort: multi-zone climate control, double glazing, 10.5kW solar, and 13kW battery Featured in acclaimed architecture and design publication The Design Files. www.thedesignfiles.net/2026/05/architecture-lightbox-house-cotter-reid