Considered Harmony – Bellevue Hill Residence by Richards Stanisich

A peaceful dwelling, Bellevue Hill Residence involved a substantial reworking and addition effort to what had previously been a disconnected home. By welcoming in light and instilling a sense of openness throughout, Richards Stanisich ensures the newly introduced elements seamlessly tie in with the original. Inspired by the site’s outlook to the garden, Richards Stanisich allows the natural tones of the exterior to permeate and revive the interior spaces, ushering the residence into a more contemporary context.

“A critical element of the brief was to create an incredible outdoor space – the client wanted an area that was immersed in the outdoors but provided weatherproof shelter, enabling the spaces to be used across all seasons,” says Jonathan Richards, Director of Richards Stanisich. By opening up the interior to the outdoors, daily functions spill outward across the threshold, further enhancing the available floor space without needing to expand the site. As such, Richards Stanisich ensures each new insertion and alteration can endure and age gracefully with the owners. Establishing a connection to place and expressing the personalities of the occupants within, the new design softens the contrast between zones, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Establishing a connection to place and expressing the personalities of the occupants within, the new design softens the contrast between zones, fostering a sense of togetherness.

Needing to be a place that contains spaces for both entertainment and quiet retreat, Richards Stanisich ensured a balance was achieved. “The home brings the family together and gives them plenty of opportunity – particularly the kids – to have independence throughout the day and build their own experiences within,” says Jonathan. “Every space fosters a connection to the outdoors while remaining warm, comfortable and intimate for their daily activities inside.” The resulting abode is a spacious haven, containing four bedrooms, a guest powder room, formal living and dining areas, an open plan family room with access to the media room and a dedicated office space.

The use of timber and natural materials also adds a warmth and texture to the home that feels both welcoming and familiar. The garden plays a great role in the reworking, providing a series of outdoor spaces that rejuvenate the site. The landscaping fosters a feeling of disconnection from the urban surrounds, with select materiality emphasising this secluded atmosphere – a design direction that also features within the residence. Through a combination of dark and lighter elements, the neutral tones and finishes also allows the family to imbue their own personal expression.

The landscaping fosters a feeling of disconnection from the urban surrounds, with select materiality emphasising this secluded atmosphere – a design direction that also features within the residence.

Richards Stanisich crafts a home that invites not only enjoyment of shared spaces but opportunities for those within to unwind. This ideal extends to Bellevue Hill Residence itself, where both indoor and outdoor contexts coexist harmoniously.