An Internal Re-sculpting – Bondi Mews by MHNDU and Lawless and Meyerson

By overlaying a new arrangement of separation within the existing terrace home, Bondi Mews sees the emergence of three linked residences that all share an outward connection to the surrounds. MHNDU, together with Lawless and Meyerson, adapts the existing outer volume to better optimise the potential of the location whilst retaining nods the structure’s heritage.

Within such tight surrounds, each home and business in the inner enclaves of Sydney has been carefully sculpted over the years to reflect a deliberate purpose. Whilst the relevance of certain typologies has changed and evolved over the years, repurposing these elements into a contemporary expression of how we live has always inspired alterations and additions. MHNDU takes on the recalibration of a singular site to do more than reflect a modern openness, but also to increase the density by creating three adjoining homes from the one. Together with interior design by Lawless and Meyerson, the result is a dichromatic and openly connected home readied for the years to come.

The home’s proposal came as a challenging exercise in configuring the site to allow for the additions whilst retaining the original frontage and key heritage elements. Bondi Mews sits within sculpted landscape surrounds, and through the insertion of key openings introduced throughout, creates a lively backdrop for living within. Wanting to engage more meaningfully with natural light and to create opportunities for natural ventilation, openings and air flow were important to the daily functionality of the home.

Integrating key outdoor and garden spaces ensured each home felt larger and more expansive than its outer walls alluded to. A muted base is elevated through the expressed contrast between dichromatic materials, allowing the darkened features to sit as bold statements within the otherwise light spaces. Furniture, lighting and artwork then add the final layer of personalisation between to the homes.

MHNDU takes on the recalibration of a singular site to do more than reflect a modern openness, but also to increase the density by creating three adjoining homes from the one.

By preserving core features of Bondi Mews, and through building a series of interconnected new spaces, the past and present are brought together with a sense of purpose. MHNDU and Lawless and Meyerson ensure a continued relevance whilst reusing the existing building fabric to support the new.

The home’s proposal came as a challenging exercise in configuring the site to allow for the additions whilst retaining the original frontage and key heritage elements.