Bonny Bronte by Michael Cumming Architect and Edward Birch

Positioning the home to effectively engage and interact with nature, Michael Cumming Architect, in collaboration with Edward Birch, ensures that Bonny Bronte emerges as an environmentally conscious beach house.

Blending familiar coastal elements with a contemporary approach to open living, both architects respond to the landscape, fostering seamless connections across indoor-outdoor thresholds. Nestled amid lush greenery and the gentle caress of sea breezes, the home presented a distinct challenge: how to harness natural light and airflow without compromising the relaxed charm of the seaside retreat.

The solution unfolded through a cleverly designed double-height void at the heart of the floor plan. This design floods the interior spaces with sunlight while also serving as a captivating focal point, courtesy of the sculptural steel staircase. “Our clients came to us with a beautiful site they had fell in love with and purchased… [it’s] a short stroll to the beach and overlooks a gully full of trees, greenery and ocean glimpses,” says Michael Cumming. “The effect of the landscape of the gully permeated into the site and rear yard,” he adds, “and this was the first thing that struck me – we knew the future house would be lucky enough to strongly connect to it.”

Given the lush surroundings, embracing the elements became necessary in shaping both the layout and functionality of each realm.

Given the lush surroundings, embracing the elements became necessary in shaping both the layout and functionality of each realm. Central to this approach was environmental awareness and a conscientious effort to minimise the impact of the house on the site, ensuring harmony between the residence and landscape. “It [the home] has achieved a sustainable outcome, which is underpinned in natural light, air and landscape connection,” adds Michael. “Architecturally, we made some specific moves. The void allows the house to cool passively by taking in see breezes from well-positioned windows on the south-east, and it takes hot air out up high in the void ceiling.”

The choice of materials also played a pivotal role in defining an aesthetic that bridges contemporary and coastal influences. By blending classic elements such as weatherboard cladding and sandstone with modern detailing, a coexistence of old and new is achieved. Elevated detailing, including exposed structural tresses, a sleek steel staircase and innovative balustrades, enhances the home’s design. Furthermore, a natural stone slab forming the kitchen island introduces a timeless quality, with its colours mirroring those of the surrounding landscape.

By blending classic elements such as weatherboard cladding and sandstone with modern detailing, a coexistence of old and new is achieved.

In Bonny Bronte, Michael Cumming Architect and Edward Birch adopt a crafted approach and embrace coastal living. Rather than compromising on either style or functionality, the architects instead choose to respond to the elements for the design of the overall home.

Architecture and interior design by Michael Cumming Architect and Edward Birch. Build by AJP Constructions. Landscape design by Formed Gardens. Artwork by Zoe Young.