Lyra Gattino-Lomen

Bachelor of Design (Architecture)

As a dedicated designer, my journey in the world of design has been shaped by a commitment to producing enduring designs. My professional ethos revolves around the belief that design is not merely about aesthetics; it’s about creating spaces and experiences that resonate with individuals and stand the test of time.

With a discerning eye for geometry and balance, I embrace the challenge of merging classic design styles with contemporary upgrades. My passion lies particularly in the beauty of the 1920s and 1930s, where original California Spanish design exemplified an era of artistry and craftsmanship that continues to inspire me. This appreciation for historical context allows me to infuse a sense of timelessness into my projects while ensuring they feel fresh and relevant.

Every project I undertake is a reflection of my belief that successful design must bring forward the elegance of classic styles while embracing innovation.

From a young age, I found myself captivated by the beauty of California Spanish style architecture. This architectural style isn’t just about structures; it embodies a lifestyle that resonates with the harmony of nature and warmth and homely spaces. As I delved deeper into my studies, this fascination guided me toward becoming a designer who values not just the aesthetic appeal of a space, but its ability to inspire and uplift those who inhabit it.

Beyond architecture, art and painting serve as my creative outlets and in pursuit of a balanced life, I enjoy hiking and skiing and the connection with nature that these activities provide.

Lighting design is another significant aspect of my work. I view light as a powerful tool that can transform spaces, the way light fixtures enhance a space and casts shadows and creates warmth, adds an intangible quality to architecture. My aim is to harness this potential in every design.

In my journey as a designer, I strive to merge my love for California Spanish style architecture with these diverse interests, creating spaces that tell a story, nurture well-being, and respect the beauty of life in all its forms.

Wellness Retreat Clubhouse

The wellness retreat is designed to provide a sanctuary for individuals seeking to elevate their healing and well-being. Nestled in a serene coastal environment, the retreat combines private accommodation and wellness spaces to foster holistic healing. The clubhouse will serve as the heart of the retreat, a multipurpose space for dining, lounging, meditation, spa treatments, recreational spaces, and meal preparation. Guests can gather to enjoy nutritious meals, partake in mindfulness workshops, or simply relax in a serene environment.

Hot Spring Pool

Developing a retreat that prioritises residents’ health by implementing Medical Medium protocols, complemented by architectural tools specifically designed to enhance well-being. This space will create a serene environment that promotes relaxation and a sense of home, effectively supporting the overall health of its visitors.

Villa Design Strategy

Features of the retreat includes private housing, each villa will be equipped with natural non-toxic finishes, green spaces, an abundance of natural light, views of nature and a carefully designed space that embraces a homely atmosphere allowing guests to unwind and recharge in their personal space.

Research has indicated that the primary architectural objective will be to deliver a retreat that fosters a homely and peaceful environment that has access to nature, and includes an architecturally pleasing design with uplifting views.

Villa Concept

Villa concept designs are based on the idea of a glass exterior and an inverse interior, so that instead of windows creating the view, the entire structure is glass with solid internal areas that separate private bedroom spaces from the semi private living spaces. Inverse dwellings contain a solid middle section that house the bedrooms and bathrooms. The semi private outer glass area contains the living room, dining room and kitchen.

Features of this villa include an internal garden to introduce fresh air into the space, Copious amounts of natural light have been brought into the space through the use of skylights and north facing glazing, Non-toxic materials were selected for the villa and each villa includes views of nature.

Villa Silhouette

This image illustrates the locations of the private areas within the residences. The semi-private zones feature glass walls to optimize solar penetration.

Acknowledgement of Country

The School of Design and Architecture respectfully acknowledges the Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners and knowledge-keepers of the lands, waters and sky that surround us, where we work, learn, create, communicate and make place. We recognise that sovereignty has never been ceded and this always was and will always be Wurundjeri Country. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who continue to make a better world through design.

We extend our acknowledgement to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff, students, alumni, real-life clients, and knowledge keepers, who have contributed to our own education diversity and growth. We will continue to ensure that staff and students respectfully honour ancestral connection to Country and Place in everything that they do.

We are dedicated to the notion of design to make a better world and we acknowledge that making tools, shaping place, sharing stories, making meaning, wayfinding and collaborating have long been and continue to be both central and integral to First Peoples' cultures. We recognize that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples’ cultural contributions have continued relevance to design practice and commit to: reconciling ancestries of design and contemporary practice as well as pursuing culturally and professionally appropriate ways to engage with a diverse population of colleagues, industries and clients. In a time of treaty-making and voice we understand that there are overlaps between caring for Country and the sustainable production of goods, services, experiences, products and buildings.

Guided by the principles of respect, reconciliation, and reciprocity we undertake to indigenising and decolonising design practice by dismantling colonial structures and challenging biases that have marginalised Indigenous voices and design.

As students of SoDA you will be given opportunities to both engage with and educate yourself in Indigenous creative practices and cultural protocols through a lens of inclusivity, diversity, respect, mutual understanding, inter-cultural dialogue in all aspects of design practice. Indigenous people have been telling stories, making tools, and connecting to Country through visual media, placemaking and place marking for more than 60,000 years and these practices are part of an ongoing, evolving and live tradition.