Grounded Clarity – Bellevue Hill House by Carla Middleton Architecture

Wanting to instil a sense of cohesion to a double-fronted Federation home that had been significantly altered over the years, Carla Middleton Architecture designs an old-meets-new renovation to connect Bellevue Hill House to its site. In doing so, the architect optimises the available space and natural aspect of the residence, amplifying the quality of the interior whilst retaining outward connections to the natural surrounds.

Bellevue Hill House, located in the Sydney suburb of the same name, had been altered a number of times over the years. The owners – having been impressed by other Carla Middleton Architecture projects in the area – engaged the team to bring a similar approach to this Federation-era home: to reimagine it as a cohesive, contemporary family dwelling whilst still allowing the existing heritage detailing to remain as a continuation of its narrative.

Through blending old and new, a mostly monochromatic palette is applied throughout, ensuring that the inserted elements – and those still to come – fit comfortably without competing with an overtly stylised design.

Weaving references to the home’s original crafted elements, the new is conceived with a similar respect for the artisanal. In preparing for the coming chapters, as well as the changing landscape of family life, embedding a flexibility among the muted palette was key. Through blending old and new, a mostly monochromatic palette is applied throughout, ensuring that the inserted elements – and those still to come – fit comfortably without competing with an overtly stylised design.

The home is spread over two floors, with a clear delineation between the more active and passive areas. The residence now consists of four bedrooms, two separate living areas, four bathrooms, a large laundry and mudroom and an open kitchen space. As a defining element of the contemporary abode, the shared living, dining and kitchen area encourages occupants and guests alike to gather and socialise – becoming the new heart of the home. Despite the challenges of a south-facing rear yard, the architect also reconfigured the dwelling to allow for increased openings, with an internal courtyard space that brings an abundance of light into the open living area.

Despite the challenges of a south-facing rear yard, the architect also reconfigured the dwelling to allow for increased openings, with an internal courtyard space that brings an abundance of light into the open living area.

By expanding out to the rear and upward, Bellevue Hill House optimises both its internal and external connections. Carla Middleton Architecture defines the modern home as a binding of old and new, where subtleties bridge eras to establish a way of living that reflects contemporary liveability.