The Bronze House and The Dendy Sister by Merrylees Architecture

Positioned on a bustling school-side corner in Victoria’s leafy Brighton, The Bronze House and The Dendy Sister by Merrylees Architecture form a striking architectural duo – distinct in character yet united in their contribution to the evolving streetscape.

Commissioned by a single client who owned two adjacent sites, the project was initially intended as both a personal residence and an investment. “The brief was to design two iconic, contemporary houses side by side – but with completely different expressions,” says director Jane Merrylees. The first residence, The Bronze House, was a deeply personal project designed for the client’s daughter and Merrylees lifelong friend, Em, while the second – known as The Dendy Sister – was sold off-plan, allowing the new owners to contribute to its design.

“The brief was to design two iconic, contemporary houses side by side – but with completely different expressions.”

“Em and I have known each other since birth, so decisions were made with Em’s full trust,” says Merrylees. This strong personal relationship translated into a highly tailored design, zoned for functionality and flexibility, with room for the family to grow over time. Despite the relatively modest site, the home spans three levels, maximising space through considered circulation efforts. Living areas flow into pool terraces and internal courtyards, while a dual-axis floor plan intuitively connects the kitchen, laundry, pantry and mud room to support the family’s daily rhythm.

A bronze-clad shroud wraps the northern and western facades, providing privacy and heat protection for the first-floor bedrooms while crafting a dual-fronted street presence. “The bronze was an exceptional material to use, given its beautiful, changeable characteristics and natural patina,” notes Merrylees. Automated external blinds manage solar control, while a muted finish tempers the overall palette – tonally distinct from, yet complementary to, the lighter hues of the adjacent home, The Dendy Sister.

“We wanted The Dendy Sister to be soft and delicate, feminine and curvy, pale and pastel to sit in contrast with the adjacent Bronze House.”

“We wanted The Dendy Sister to be soft and delicate, feminine and curvy, pale and pastel to sit in contrast with the adjacent Bronze House,” explains Merrylees. Composed of fluted GRC concrete fins and rendered Hebel from Sto in nude and blush tones, the facade captures and plays with changing light throughout the day. Champagne-toned window frames and refined metal fence details accentuate this gentle composition, adding subtle embellishment. “As the sun hits the facade throughout the day, a playful pattern of light dances across its surfaces, creating visual interest for the surrounding neighbourhood.”

Inside, The Dendy Sister balances elegance with smart planning. A circular stair – expressed both externally and internally – serves as a central sculptural feature beneath a skylight that floods the home with natural light. Designed for empty nesters, the layout includes a ground-floor bedroom suite and generous indoor-outdoor living zones, tailored for entertaining and hosting extended family. Living areas open to a terrace with operable sun louvres and a secluded pool and spa – “an oasis-like backdrop to the internal living spaces,” describes Merrylees.

Despite their differences, The Bronze House and The Dendy Sister share a thoughtful design ethos.

Despite their differences, The Bronze House and The Dendy Sister share a thoughtful design ethos, incorporating solar systems, passive design strategies and durable, cost-effective finishes. “We always aim to create an individual design response within a reasonable budget,” says Merrylees. The twin homes exemplify this balance, each holding a unique presence that engages the streetscape in a lasting dialogue.

Architecture and interior design by Merrylees Architecture. Build by 1186 Construction & Development. Landscape design by Andrea Ball Garden Design. Lighting by Articolo Studios and Giffin Design. Furniture by Armadillo, Cosh Living, Flowe Interiors, GlobeWest and Poliform. Flooring by Made by Storey. Veneers by Elton Group.