Composed Retreat – Bellevue Hill House by Mark Shapiro Architects

Optimising the small and narrow allotment, Bellevue Hill House is a series of modern forms that express a linear connection. Mark Shapiro Architects utilises a collection of modern amenities to elevate the everyday and ensure the resulting home both captures the personalities within and becomes a peaceful retreat.

Bellevue Hill House is shaped for the past, present and future. Replacing an existing California bungalow style home already on the site, the new residence sits in contrast to its predecessor, capturing the fundamentals of contemporary family life with an enduring sensibility. Mark Shapiro Architects designs a home that is family friendly yet modern, functional, stylish and grounded in place.

Replacing an existing California bungalow style home already on the site, the new residence sits in contrast to its predecessor, capturing the fundamentals of contemporary family life with an enduring sensibility.

Embedding a timeless quality into the palette and ensuring an element of flexibility to accommodate adjustments over time was key to the home’s design. A muted approach underpins the material selections and creates a calming atmosphere. Outward connections create an openness that encourages flowing movement between inside and the natural surrounds. Bellevue Hill House sits within a curated landscape setting designed by Myles Baldwin Design, where the soft and hard elements create a harmoniously balanced environment.

Creating an open generosity throughout was a driver for the otherwise long and restrictive site. By using a restrained palette, minimal finishes, increased internal ceiling heights and reduced partitions within, the home feels perceptively larger. Taking the form of two pavilions across the site, a central courtyard allows for both a buffer and connection to the natural elements. An open stair also encourages natural light to be shared between the levels and cleverly integrated joinery offers functionality whilst continuing the same language as the architecture and tactile features throughout.

Mark Shapiro Architects designs a home that is family friendly yet modern, functional, stylish and grounded in place.

Mark Shapiro Architects ensures the home is underpinned by an appreciation and love for the natural landscape. A forever home for its owners, Bellevue Hill House combines a robust base with an elevation of detailing that ensures a crisp linear resolve.