Considered Refinement – Bona Vista by Studio Prineas

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Architecture by Studio Prineas
Photography by Chris Warnes
Interior Design by Studio Prineas
Styling by Anna Delprat

Inspired by the warmth of the pre-existing, Bona Vista sees the expansion of a familiar heritage home as it embraces a more meaningful use of its large allotment. Studio Prineas take cues from the surrounding context in conjuring a contemporary series of spaces, all brought together through a considered refinement.

Born from a holistic methodology, the extension and expansion of Bona Vista responds to the familiar need to morph the internal formal conditions of heritage homes to suit a contemporary sensibility. Under an existing heritage overlay in Haberfield, the new is conceived in connection and as an extension of the old, respectful and considered. The warmth of the previous terracotta bricks is brought forward and helps wrap the spaces together with both a consistency and welcomed earthiness – spanning the site, the built form and the landscaping. As the home extends backward into its yard, a courtyard and pool space are created as its own outdoor room, while the surrounding amenity is built up, incorporating landscape elements. Through shared materiality and a common approach to spatial relationships, Studio Prineas retains and celebrates the existing, while redirecting circulation to allow a more natural flow throughout the home.

Through shared materiality and a common approach to spatial relationships, Studio Prineas retains and celebrates the existing, while redirecting circulation to allow a more natural flow throughout the home.

Built by Carrington Building, together with joinery by Finch Projects and Landscaping by Custom Creations Landscapes, Bona Vista and all its parts, are imagined from the same core philosophy. In binding the old and the new, a shared appreciation of the handmade and carefully crafted elements is showcased across the site. Ensuring natural light could reach deep into the home was integral and sees the use of upper-level sky lights above. By retaining the existing hip roof structure in the extension, the internal interpretation opens up through a vaulted structure and allows natural light in from curious angles to animate the spaces throughout the day.

Facing the street, the home remains unchanged but restored, with the original rooms left unaltered, reinforcing their era and formality. As the plan opens and the circulation connects the internal zones, the spaces naturally open to a shared living, dining and kitchen space. This open space then spills out onto the rear landscaped yard, which also reflects a structured arrangement, and is bookended by an outdoor entertaining structure. The level change internally signals the shift from old to new and becomes a subtle gesture. Red brick is arranged in a bond stack pattern, while natural stone, Tasmanian oak, rattan and the introduction of a datum line all ensure the warmth of the external materiality is felt internally, as a natural extension of the other.

By retaining the existing hip roof structure in the extension, the internal interpretation opens up through a vaulted structure and allows natural light in from curious angles to animate the spaces throughout the day.

Bona Vista sees the carving of a forever home for its owners, combining elements from its past, with the present. Studio Prineas create a sense of permanence through the introduction of anchored elements, while ensuring a sense of enclosure and comfort encases the home.