Shop lounge here.
Who are you and what do you do?
I am an architect. My studio specialises in designing complex houses along the Surf Coast in Victoria.
For those meeting you for the first time, why did you want to be an architect? Tell us how this career found you.
I decided I would be an architect when I was a young boy. I have loved drawing and designing things my whole life.
How does living by the ocean shape the way you think about design, space and how homes are actually lived in?
The ocean and the surrounding cool temperate rainforest of The Otways is hugely inspiring for me. This is a very rugged coastline with quite a raw energy. My designs accordingly prioritise site responsiveness, modesty, robustness and natural textures.
Shop lounge rugs here and lounge here.
If you could give one piece of advice about designing a home with heart, what would it be?
Sit into the landscape and capture the winter sun.
Can you share the story behind your home and why you first fell in love with it? What was that moment like when you first stepped inside?
I had admired my current home perched elegantly up on the hill overlooking the ocean for 10 years prior to becoming its custodian. I was so shocked when I noticed this for sale one morning about six years ago. I rushed over to the house and couldn’t believe how neat and original the inside condition was. I had correctly suspected that it was an original Mid-century modern house from the outside and this was the first time that the house had ever been offered for sale since 1965.
Are there any design details in the home or pieces of furniture that feel especially meaningful to you? What are they and why are they so special to you?
My favourite element is the whole front facade which overlooks the ocean and is floor to ceiling glass. The exposed timber rafters lineup perfectly with the window frames (mullions) and every second window has an upper awning portion. These give a playful repetitious dance along the facade when viewed from the beach below.
My favourite addition to the property is my treehouse in the front flowering gumtree. The crows nest at the top level of amazing views to the beach below and this is my favourite place for a coffee in the morning.
My favourite original pieces of furniture are the dining table, the Gerald Easdon stools, the Danish Deluxe sofas and the West German MCM vases and lamps which were all the original owners and stayed with this house amazingly.
When it comes to choosing art for your home, what is your thought process? How do you know if a piece of art is right?
Great question. I have tried to stick with timbers and warm colours to match the MCM vibe - However, I do think art pieces are an opportunity to break free of such conformity. My amazing painting by Brett Weir sits pride of place on my only wall in the main living area and is a great example of this.
Browse Brett Weir art on his website here.
Speakers made in Melbourne by Greg Osborn.
You mentioned you love earthy colours and your interiors feel so calming against this beachside landscape. How would you describe your personal approach to interior styling?
I love timbers and warm textures. I prefer simple of busy, and most certainly genuine rather than showy.
You’ve got the most beautiful Airbnb tucked behind your home, named the The Honeymoon Suite. What do you want people to feel when they stay here? Also, how can people find this stunning guesthouse?
My guesthouse is extraordinary! It has the best views of the whole property and the outside bath is magical. Watching the moon over the ocean or sunrises from there is a must. It is the only space with original cork ceilings too. When the swell is big, the waves crashing onto the rocks below shake the bed and the guesthouse. I have had dozens of people stay who have said it’s the most incredible space they have ever slept in <3
@the.honeymoon.suite
Shop our bedding here, bathroom decor here and door mats here.
Book The Honeymoon Suite here.
Outside of architecture, what fills your cup and brings you joy?
That’s an easy one: adventures, wilderness and connections with my tribe.
We found your stunning mid-century home online, then realised rather serendipitously, that your architecture office was located just a few doors down from our new store in Lorne. What do you love most about living here in Lorne? Write this town a little love letter…
Lorne is stunningly beautiful and nestled partway along the amazing twists of the internationally significant Great Ocean Road. Epic surf beaches to the front, and awesome Aussie bush of The Otways behind. I love the quietness of our little town in winter (900 people I think) and then we get swamped in summer. Our little town has a surprisingly large selection of great cafes and restaurants to choose from. It is quite transient here, thanks to not much ‘9-5’ business and has a lovely scene of down-to-earth locals. This side of the coastline is refreshingly genuine and authentic.
You’re about to launch a new venture with your partner, building treehouses - tell us more about this and how it came to life.
Lucy Blue and I absolutely love adventure and nature. We started Aloft recently to build creative spaces in trees for people to foster improved connection to nature and playfulness. We enjoy weaving nets between the structures too and love the versatility that these tensile and permeable spaces create.
Follow their business on Instagram here - @aloft.treehouses
Okay, being a long-time Lorne local, we’ve got some some rapid fire questions for you…
Q: Favourite breakfast and coffee in Lorne?
A: Moons
Q: Where are you having your death-row dinner in Lorne and what is it?
A: IPSOS Restaurant & Bar - fish and saganaki
Q: Best beach spot for a swim?
A: The secret lagoon below my house.
Q: A building in Lorne you really admire and why?
A: There is a 1955 MCM gem of a house on Mountjoy Parade (on the front row). It graced the cover of Home Beautiful magazine in 1957 plus a 6 page spread within. I have been honoured to design a comprehensive restoration to the house over the past few years and Okin Building Group has almost finished this amazing project.
Q: Your go-to walking track/ hike?
A: Teddys Lookout loop down to St George River.
Q: What are your must-see favourite stops along The Great Ocean Road, on the way to Lorne?
A: Head to The Otways: Erskine Falls, Redwood Forest, Moonlight Heads, Blanket Bay, Triplet Falls, Loch Ard Gorge.
Q: Describe Lorne in 3 words…
A: Picturesque, seasonal, grounded
Follow Josh Crosbie's on Instagram here and view his website here.
Follow his new treehouse biz Aloft on Instagram here.
Follow his Airbnb Instagram here.
With a whole lotta love xx