CLOVELLY, SYDNEY (Bidjigal and Gadigal Land) - A distinctive family residence has emerged in Sydney's Eastern beaches, where contemporary design meets coastal living. "Clovelly Bungalow" transforms an existing stone cottage into a sanctuary that balances privacy and openness while maximising space on its compact site.
Situated just five minutes from the beach, this three-level home pays homage to the area's architectural heritage through its distinctive concrete gable - a contemporary interpretation of the Californian Bungalow style that characterises much of the local area.
"In Sydney's Eastern beach suburbs, where density and varied architectural styles create a unique urban tapestry, our challenge was to design a retreat that feels both connected to and sheltered from its surroundings," said Nick Bell, Principal Architect, Nick Bell Architects.
"The Clovelly Bungalow achieves this through its inward-looking design approach and strategic use of high-level windows - creating a home that breathes light and air while maintaining privacy in a densely populated coastal setting."
The residence features a dramatic fi ve-metre central void above the dining area, creating a sense of weightlessness and spaciousness that belies the constraints of the site. This architectural gesture establishes the home's defi ning characteristic - a feeling of expansiveness within carefully considered boundaries.
The material palette responds directly to the coastal environment with a selection of resilient, high-quality finishes. Off-form concrete creates the stripped-back, clean shape of the gable structure, while modified Abodo pine cladding and Accoya pine window frames offer stability and sustainability in the salt-laden air. Italian Limestone flooring from Eco-Outdoors flows seamlessly from interior to exterior spaces, unifying the home's transitions between inside and out.
Interiors embody a coastal luxe aesthetic through a soft palette of white, grey, and oak. The kitchen and butler's pantry feature marble with the impressive kitchen island serving as both functional workspace and sculptural element.
The five-bedroom home includes thoughtful design elements to enhance daily living: a central courtyard planted with natives, ocean views from the top floor and a vaulted ceiling amplifying the sense of space and light.
Along with considered materials, sustainability features include rainwater collection, solar panels, battery, heat pump for the pool, double-glazed windows, and an all-electric design. Native landscaping completes the property's environmental considerations.
"Clovelly Bungalow demonstrates how architectural heritage can inform contemporary design without resorting to mimicry," added Nick. "By reinterpreting the bungalow's characteristic gable form in concrete, we've created a dialogue between past and present that feels appropriate for this evolving coastal neighbourhood."
The project exemplifies how boundary-to-boundary construction can still yield generous living spaces and private outdoor areas through careful choreography of light, volume, and circulation.
