Innate Character – Brighton Boulevard by Richards Stanisich
Taking influence from the eclectic nature of its Bondi siting, Brighton Boulevard is the combining of two top level apartments to allow an expanded expression of the building’s art deco origins. Richards Stanisich takes reference from the surrounding context and manifests through colour an innate sense of character.
Enviably perching across Bondi, Brighton Boulevard nestles into a natural rise, with views outward over the ocean and beach below. Both in capturing the spirit of its context and a matching of the activity unfolding below, the resulting apartment sees the fusing of two existing top-level residences into one. To match its outlook, the expanded footprint allows for an increased relaxation between zones and creates an opening up of the interior to aign with a contemporary sensibility. Originally conceived in the art deco period, the building containing the apartments retains its quintessentially Sydney feel and through its play on geometric details is a reminder of such an explorative time in design and architecture. Richards Stanisich takes heeded reference from the home’s past and the building’s own narrative in conjuring an abode with its own unique personality and embedding it with its own sense of place.
Unlike many contemporary iterations however, Brighton Boulevard does not shy away from colour or pattern. Instead, it embraces it. Both as a capture of the home’s context and of the individual characters who live within its walls, the home is an extension of its inhabitants’ love of Bondi. Throughout, a darked base of diamond-patterned herringbone timber flooring provides the binding of each of the spaces, celebrating the craft in its making, while also offering a sense of consistency.
While elements throughout engage and invite interaction, the focus really is on the home’s generous views and its unique elevation. Framed openings that punctuate the original deco building façade remain unchanged and offer a curated glimpse at the outside world, while inviting in natural ventilation. The same casual calm of the area is intentionally brought inward, with a lack of pretence throughout, ensuring the home feels appropriate to its context.
Brighton Boulevard beautifully carves its own identity through a confidence and connection to craft and colour. Richards Stanisich aptly matches the energy of the family who occupy the home through a spatial openness and sense of connection, while animation and activity become the clear focus.
