Open Warmth – Bronte House II by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

Bronte House II is the reworking of a 1980s-era home into one that reflects a modern and contemporary occupation. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects emphasises warmth throughout, layering texture and improving access to natural light to convey an openness at the core of the residence.

Having built and lived in the residence since the 1980s, the owners were looking to prepare for the coming phase of their lives and revitalise the home. Bronte House II is a considered evolution of the previous structure, becoming a revolutionised retreat with easy access to nearby amenities. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects crafts a modern house that ensures the owners’ personalities and needs are represented within the newly sculpted spaces.

Bronte House II is a considered evolution of the previous structure, becoming a revolutionised retreat with easy access to nearby amenities.

The home’s overall proportions and sense of internal connection were reworked to reflect the shared openness of a modern residence. Embedding a reflection of the current and projected lifestyle of the occupants was integral to the brief, as was producing a high-quality and long-lasting outcome. By removing the existing staircase from the centre of the foyer, a new entry space was created. The newly arranged living areas then radiate outward from this central location, allowing the entry to act as a pivotal point.

Overlaying a sense of warmth ensured the home felt familiar and comfortable yet refreshed and connected. Further to ensuring a flow between internal zones, it was important that portals out into the landscape were opened and framed, drawing focus to the garden and views beyond. Muted and neutral elements are combined with considered joinery and detailing to heighten everyday interactions and emphasise an appreciation of craft. Additions such as charred timber and parquetry flooring are combined with lighter insertions to create a balance between light and dark, allowing the textural differences to stand out.

Madeleine Blanchfield Architects crafts a modern house that ensures the owners’ personalities and needs are represented within the newly sculpted spaces.

Bronte House II is a celebration of its history, carrying froward its nostalgic quality into the new iteration. Creating a calm and embracing escape, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects captures richness through a curation of quality and enduring materials.