Opened Embrace– Bronte Residence by Jillian Dinkel, Maryanne Taskovski Architect and Smyth & Smyth

Reconfiguring an existing family home that teeters over Bronte Beach below, Bronte Residence is formed on a playful yet pragmatic foundation of parts. Jillian Dinkel, Maryanne Taskovski Architect and Smyth & Smyth combine to transform the existing house to become an openly engaged coastal home.

With the original home built in the 1930s, it was in need of revision. As a home for a family with grown children, the spaces needed to evolve to allow for continued cohabitation, while continuing an expression of place. Located overlooking Bronte Beach, revisions allow a better connection to be made through reinforcing visual sightlines. By removing excessive elements and returning the home back to the essentials, the spaces were able to be put back into a more cohesive and flowing order. Engaged in the later stages, Jillian Dinkel took ownership over the interior design, while Maryanne Taskovski Architect was engaged through construction.

The materials and finishes used internally further add a richness in texture, colour and expression of those who live there.

Built by Prekaro Projects and with landscape design by Lone Pine and True Form, Bronte Residence ensures every square meter of the site is optimised. Like many Sydney homes, the original home navigates the sloping site, allowing for views outward. As an expression of its owners, the task was to infuse a sense of personality into the home as well. Allowing for entertaining, the generous balcony allows the interior living spaces to extend out beyond the building threshold. The materials and finishes used internally further add a richness in texture, colour and expression of those who live there. There is a curiousness to how each of the spaces come together, reflecting a unique approach.

The original art deco detailing remains in place and inspires an approach for the new insertions. Through a playful engagement with shape and form, multiple finishes animate the rooms while connecting back to the history of the home. Already spread over multiple levels, the engagement of Smyth & Smyth to reconfigure the floor plan initially allowed for the creation of separate zones within the home, increasing privacy and separation, while also creating generosity in the way the living areas opened to the nearby ocean. Throughout, custom finishes and furniture pieces reflect the crafted nature of the original home, bringing it into the new era through a contemporary relevance.

Throughout, custom finishes and furniture pieces reflect the crafted nature of the original home, bringing it into the new era through a contemporary relevance.

Elevated through an artisanal approach, Bronte Residence is opened up to optimise its enviable position. Within, a curated interior acts as an extension of its owners, creating a home of personal significance dynamically responsive to place.