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Grove House by Cadence & Co
Grove House in Sydney demonstrates Cadence & Co’s ability to balance seclusion with connection and heritage with modernity, creating a refined home that embraces contemporary family life.
On Sydney’s North Shore, Grove House stands as a perfect example of Cadence & Co’s design sensibility, where heritage and contemporary living come together to create a home that is both functional and connected to its environment. The project involved enhancing a four-bedroom Californian bungalow to meet the needs of a growing family of five. Cadence & Co’s team – comprising architects, interior designers, craftspeople and builders – was tasked with preserving the original charm of the home while introducing modernity through a carefully considered extension. The result is a design that hits a balance between continuity and innovation, respecting the past while embracing the present.
The original bungalow was shielded from sunlight and lacked a clear connection to the outdoors. The new spaces, however, are defined by openness and natural light, creating a home that accommodates the various modes of family life. The central courtyard is pivotal to this transformation, bringing a flood of natural light into the heart of the home and linking indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining a sense of privacy. Thoughtfully integrated landscaping enhances this connection, softening the built form and creating a natural extension of the interiors.
The design moves away from traditional, enclosed living spaces, instead offering a generosity of connection between the various rooms. As you step from the arched hallway of the original house into the open-plan living and dining area, the sense of spaciousness is immediate. With a cathedral ceiling, these new family spaces open up to a private terrace, garden and pool, providing an inviting flow to the outdoors that wasn’t present in the original home. A soft and neutral colour palette and the extensive use of timber throughout define the interiors, creating warmth and continuity. In the bathrooms, tiles add texture and pattern, introducing a tactile element.
While the extension plays with form, it never attempts to mimic the original bungalow; rather, it sits alongside it, celebrating its heritage while embracing contemporary living.
Reached by a sculptural ribbon staircase, the new upper level is dedicated to the family’s teenage boys, further enhancing the sense of space and freedom. While the extension plays with form, it never attempts to mimic the original bungalow; rather, it sits alongside it, celebrating its heritage while embracing contemporary living.
Beyond the generous living spaces, Grove House provides a sense of sanctuary within its suburban context. The layout of the extension frames a landscaped garden with a new pool, creating a protected retreat within the densely populated surroundings. The built form frames this open space while providing shielding from neighbouring homes and the street, ensuring a sense of privacy without feeling enclosed.
With Grove House, Cadence & Co has succeeded in creating a home that marries the past and present with precision and flair. The result is a refined, versatile home that fosters connection, privacy and light – truly an ideal retreat for modern family living.
Architecture, interior design and build by Cadence & Co. Landscape design by Adam Robinson Design. Joinery by Nu Space Joinery. Windows and doors by Shamrock Joinery.
