Bellevue Hill House

Black, white and timber tones inject deep contrast across the home, punctuated by the crimson hues of a Japanese maple that brings into focus to the garden sphere.

Conceived by architectural studio Mathieson, the home presents a study in the art of adaptive reuse – retaining the bones of the original construction to limit waste and rekindle the essence of a bygone era. The streetscape is a stylistic melting pot of a vast assortment of architectural typologies that serve to establish the presence of the home. “In defining the project brief, our clients sought a feeling of ease and privacy that merged traditional ideas with modern sensibilities,” explains practice founder and design director Phillip Mathieson.

Utilising the framework of the former construction, this four-level dwelling hugs the contours of the cascading site in a conscious effort to reach out into its natural surrounds. “The renovation retained much of the existing reinforced concrete and steel superstructure, reconfigured with masonry walls to rationalise circulation and bring balance throughout the interior,” describes Mathieson. A self-contained studio resides within the lower level to facilitate extended stays, flanked by a generous outdoor expanse for the familial joys of swimming and relaxation. Black, white and timber tones inject deep contrast across the home, punctuated by the crimson hues of a Japanese maple that brings into focus the garden sphere.

Approaching from a quiet suburban street, the home presents as a compact assemblage of timber boards and aluminium fins, neatly held by robust concrete walls. A verdant lawn provides a moment of pause before traversing a discrete doorway threshold. Echoing the transparency and functionalism of Mies van der Rohe, the dwelling is an evolution of the International style, where the spatial fluidity of the building is placed on show in lieu of mere ornamentation. “The design takes cues from contemporary modernist principles – clarity of form, horizontal expression and integration with landscape – while avoiding the overt replication of historical styles,” adds Mathieson.

Black-stained kitchen cabinetry balances the ethereal lightness of the living domain, comprising a grounding palette of chocolate veneer, stainless steel and chrome. Ascending to the private realm, lighter tones mark the spiritual shift to a contemplative state. “This ambience is accentuated by a bespoke timber vanity and bathtub, crafted by Emanuel Oppliger of Wood & Water, adding a Japanese-inspired elegance that elevates daily rituals,” describes Mathieson. Even the rooftop instils a poignant sense of serenity, surveying the distant city views while flanked by the soothing tones of a rooftop pool that mimics the Sydney skyline.