Bondi House ::

Project Description::

This project involved the transformation of the “back end” of a Bondi semi-detached house.

A series of small, dim lean-to’s have been replaced by a generous and sunny living and entertaining area with two bedrooms, a dressing room and a bathroom above. This configuration was achieved within a strict height limit and a moderate budget. Decks to both levels capitalise on the northern sun and view; the larger, lower one is supported on steel structure and connects to the garden by a timber stair.

The problem universal to semi-detached houses – of insufficient sunlight penetrating the centre of the plan – has been resolved with the insertion of a well-lit stairwell, glazed by a skylight at the top and a screened, high-level, north window.

The two new rear storeys are built in a lightweight construction. Each material has been selected as appropriate to its location and function. Vertical privacy screens are in Western Red Cedar; floors are recycled blackbutt; and the horizontal screens are aluminium, used for its light and reflective qualities.