Raw Yet Refined – North Bondi Apartment by The Unlisted Collective
North Bondi Apartment by The Unlisted Collective draws on a tactile palette of finishes in homage to its coastal surrounds. Rugged yet calming, raw yet refined, the luxury development is thoughtfully composed to provide places of connection and engagement, relaxation and respite.
Tasked with designing three whole-level apartments on the cliffs of North Bondi, The Unlisted Collective sought to differentiate the luxury development by creating a narrative around the textural, multi-layered landscape of the coastal surrounds. Grey Torcello terrazzo forms the principal finish, connecting the interior to the site’s rocky outcrops while effectively increasing the sense of space internally. Referencing the glimmering tones of the ocean, deep blue and gunmetal lustrous carpets give depth and tactility, while brass accents reflect the golden glow of sunrise and sunset.
“The idea of using gold accents throughout the space was a discussion point from the beginning,” comments interior designer and director of The Unlisted Collective, Bianca Fraser, “as was the neutral, pared back palette of limited materials.” This artful restraint lends an enduring quality to the interiors, forging a calm and unified aesthetic while allowing the site’s wide-ranging coastal views to take centre stage.
The planning approach, a collaborative effort with architects MHNDU, further capitalises on the stunning vistas, with key living spaces oriented to frame the rugged coastline and views to Bondi Beach. A monolithic fireplace finished in Arabescato Vagli marble boldly anchors the space, flanked by weighty floating shelves; a welcome area to display art and objects, set against the fine grain of oak wall panelling. Inset brass joinery to the adjoining wall provides a brilliant counterbalance, while dual-tone sheer curtains brim the glazed perimeter, gently tempering natural light.
A custom battened oak ceiling unites living and dining volumes, with a fine brass pendant forming a delicate and sculptural addition. Beyond, a marble island bench is bookended with robust end plinths mimicking the elementary forms of the nearby fireplace. Brass embellishments and luxury fixtures complete the aesthetic tableau, presenting an elevated space to congregate and entertain.
The private spaces are comparatively muted and immersive. The Unlisted Collective has taken a tonal approach to the selection of bedroom finishes, with dolphin grey upholstered wall panels, lustrous gunmetal carpets and neutral grass papers forming an understated and sophisticated expression. Bathrooms are enveloped in grey terrazzo, continuing the apartments’ serene and reductive feel. “The tonal grey of the terrazzo allowed the use of Arabescato Vagli marble for the vanity and bathing area to become a dramatically luxurious highlight of the space,” says Bianca.
Balancing repose and purpose, The Unlisted Collective has delivered an opulent yet approachable space that addresses the luxury brief without being overwrought with detail. “It really comes down to good planning, polished details, the use of true materials and consideration of functionality,” Bianca reflects. Indeed, North Bondi Apartment considers the many tenets of a well-resolved apartment proposition, presenting a tailored interior with universal appeal.
