3-7 Mullins Street, Whitfield.

The Queensland home of Maverick Architect Edwin (Eddie) Oribin, was an experiment in its form and structure. The property is set on a large 1922m2 block with pool, raised lawns and a seasonal creek. The garden is easy to maintain and is planted with wide ranging fruit trees and exotic herbs. The house features extensive handmade detailing throughout, including natural stone feature walls, and solid silky oak ceilings, walls and built in furniture. Floors are a mixture of timber and polished oxidized concrete throughout. The kitchen is fitted with superior Miele appliances and bathrooms are finished with Italian glass mosaic tiles. Bedrooms feature built in robes while the master has a walk in robe leading to the bathroom. There is a separate family/media room. It was the first house he built for himself and demonstrates a young, unconstrained and industrious spirit. What makes this house so memorable is its geometric rooms and patterns, beautiful use and control of natural light, along with its handmade light fittings, fine tinted concrete and the lustre of clear-stained silky oak timber throughout. Influenced by a love of aviation and fascination with Zen concepts, the architect's use of flexible floor and wall plans has enabled a unique integration and separation of spaces. The open plan kitchen was custom built, while the expansive living and dining space has floor to ceiling louvres to encompass the garden aspect. The master bedroom has a private balcony and overlooks lush vegetation, while two further bedrooms in the new wing open to the upper level garden. The Oribin House represents a piece of Cairns' architectural history. Elegant lines and handmade detailing are the hallmarks of this Heritage Listed late 1950s property, conceived by acclaimed architect Edwin Oribin. A well-considered extension and renovations in keeping with Oribin's original vision create a cohesive, contemporary family home. Set amidst tranquil, established gardens, the property maintains an enchanting privacy yet is within walking distance of cafes, restaurants, shops and schools. In 2009, Edge Architecture was commissioned to extend the house to include new sleeping spaces. The architectural additions pay respect to Oribins original intent by sliding off the original house at an angle, making use of geometric forms in plan and using timber finishes to complement the original. The additions connect discretely with the 'Oribin' house, just touching the original fascia, allowing the original building to be observed in its entirety and the new additions to be viewed as a separate wing with complementary architecture. The whole now providing a generous family home, respecting the design virtues of Eddie Oribin and adding a revitalised relationship with the surrounding landscape. - FULLY FURNISHED - PETS ON APPLICATION