Interpreting Movement Through Form – Bondi Bombara by Luigi Rosselli Architects

Stirred by the motion of waves breaking and lapping, Bondi Bombara nods to the surf culture its setting is known for and pays homage to the land on which it rests. Luigi Rosselli Architects combines a softly curved façade with moments of refinement to create a relaxed and contemporary home.

Known for is accessible surf and associated relaxed culture, Bondi offers the inner-city Sydney dweller the opportunity to engage with the ocean without compromise. As an extension of the ethos of working with nature and taking a lead from its dynamic currents, Bondi Bombara is a formal interpretation of the energetic flow of our ocean’s waters. The façade waves around its tightly packed site to offer a softened interface between the private and the public, offering a welcoming and encouraging embrace. Together with interior design by Alwill Interiors, Luigi Rosselli Architects proposes a tranquil and composed shelter.

Borrowing its name from the Dharuk language spoken in the Sydney region, the term ‘Bombara’ describes the breaking of waves over shallow reefs or sandbanks. Its befitting reuse to describe the home of similar motion is both to give due respect to the land it sits on and to pay due homage to its origins. Built by BWO, together with landscaping by Bates Landscape, Bondi Bombora is surrounded by an array of edible fruit trees – where olive trees front the home, and lilly pilly and guava plants can be found at the rear together with the client’s beehives. The immersive landscape in its natural setting further aims to plant the structure solidly in its roots.

Spread over three levels, each storey has its own identity and formal characteristics. Externally, the approach sees the upper two banded ribbon levels of monochromatic black and white punctuated with regular shaped openings as windows. Each has its own eye-lid hooded cover, offering shelter and glare control internally. Below this sees a blue and jade mosaic base engage with the sunlight and shimmer as if the home is set upon the ocean itself. Internally, the approach sees clever integrated storage and concealed ancillary elements to allow for a calming immersive experience. Multifunctional joinery is integrated throughout and allows for flexibility of use. The palette of muted timber and warm neutral walls creates an enduring and uncomplicated home.

Bondi Bombora cleverly navigates its challenging and dense site to integrate the integral priorities of its client and carve out its own reclusive place of calm. Reflecting a clear connection to the nearby ocean and surf, Luigi Rosselli Architects has interpreted movement through form and immersed the home in its context.