Simpson-Lee House I, Heritage residence in Wahroonga, Australia
Simpson-Lee House I is a 1960s residence on Roland Avenue with full-height glass walls interrupted by solid brick sections that provide privacy from the street. The surrounding mature gardens form an important part of the building's overall character and setting.
Architect Arthur Baldwinson designed this house between 1957 and 1962 as an early example of a new approach to Australian residential design. The project marked a turning point away from European influences toward designs that responded to local conditions and climate.
The residence shows how Australian families lived after the war, with open connections between indoor and outdoor spaces and modern kitchens that simplified daily routines. This design reflects how people began to see their homes as places for family and nature together.
The house sits well back from the street with tall brick side walls that shield the interior from view and create a sense of seclusion. Visitors should note how the careful placement balances privacy with allowing natural light to fill the interior spaces throughout the day.
The family who commissioned and built this house still lives there today, keeping all the original colors and details exactly as they were designed. This continuous habitation means the house has remained largely unchanged since the 1960s.
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