BRIEF
The challenge was to solve the following issues with the traditional semi-detached house found throughout Bondi:
- Disengaged with the streetscape
- Static and blunt interface between the public and private realms
- Traditional/ornate façade detailing
- Limited natural light and ventilation
- Disconnected with the landscape
- No focus on sustainability
With the client and builder being the same person, there was an opportunity to test ideas, push boundaries and create something that is truly unique.
RESPONSE TO BRIEF
Given its exposed location, restrained material palette and geometric composition, the house stands as a new landmark in the back-streets of Bondi. The cleanly detailed simple forms of the front façade offer an alternative to the traditional Bondi semi- detached house and along with it, a sense of optimism, intrigue and possibility.
The inspiration for the project is simple – the unadvanced, ornate and traditional context inspired an optimistic, ambitious and contemporary response The scheme is underpinned by the simplicity, clarity and strength of the geometric refence to traditional gable-ended semi-detached houses.
RELATIONSHIP TO BUILT FORM AND CONTEXT
Paired with its ornate neighbour and set amongst the backdrop of vernacular semi-detached houses, the site immediately called for a contemporary response to its architecturally traditional context.
The arrangement and geometry of the new façade is a mirror of its neighbour, but is stripped of ornamentation. The unadorned frontage gives primacy to the purity and clarity of the three staggered gabled forms whilst still maintaining a formal connection with its neighbour.
The story of the new and old facades is easily read with an unobstructed front boundary and a generous setback which openly engages the streetscape. This openness is balanced by the privacy offered by the dynamic timber batten screening that slide across the front and rear facades providing access, sun protection or a veil from onlookers.
PROGRAM RESOLUTION
A strong connection to the outdoors, privacy from the street and the ability to adapt the building to various thermal conditions was achieved via the fully operable and dynamic front and rear facades.
Separation between public and private spaces and the requirement for ample natural and air light whilst maintaining privacy was met by dropping a large void into the middle of the home and topping it with a series of deliberately placed openable skylights between the rafters.
The previously dark core of this semi-detached home is now drenched in sunlight throughout the day and naturally ventilates the entire home, drawing air in from the front and rear and expelling it through the open skylights.
MATERIALITY
The restrained material palette accentuates the focus on the project’s formal composition and allows the design intent to be clearly legible.
The palette relies on variety in texture and patten and their interaction with light and space to provide richness and dynamism to the project. The house’s interior and exterior are tied together with a series of shared materials, best exemplified by the timber battening seen in both the facades and the kitchen joinery.
