Simpson-Lee House I, House in Wahroonga, New South Wales, Australia

Simpson-Lee House I is a small two-stage residence at 23 Roland Avenue, Wahroonga, designed by Arthur Baldwinson and built by George M. Koch in 1958 and 1962. Baldwinson used bagged brick, weatherboard and irregular ashlar-laid sandstone, with function-derived window and door placement. The clients, Professor Geelum and Sheila Simpson-Lee, had no architectural training but shaped the design.

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 clients, Professor Geelum and Sheila Simpson-Lee, had no formal architectural training but had a sophisticated understanding of architecture. They first admired Sydney Ancher's work; Geelum's sister, who worked for the Institute of Architects, suggested Arthur Baldwinson, a colleague of Geelum's at Sydney University. The house reflects their informed collaboration with the architect.

The house is a private residence at 23 Roland Avenue and is not open to the public, so it can only be viewed from the street. Its two-stage construction, completed in 1958 and 1962, is visible in the stepped plan and the mix of bagged brick and glazing. The garden has been kept as originally designed.

The clients, Professor Geelum and Sheila Simpson-Lee, had no formal architectural training but had approached Sydney Ancher first; Geelum's sister, who worked for the Institute of Architects, suggested Arthur Baldwinson, a colleague of Geelum's at Sydney University. The house was built in two stages, 1958 and 1962, using loans under the University Housing Scheme.