Crafted Softness – Wunulla Road by Richards Stanisich

Connecting to the origins of the home, Wunulla Road openly embraces its harbourside location whilst embedding a strong historical legacy. Richards Stanisich creates key binding moments between place and time, emphasising a natural connection brought together by refined and focused details in the crafted form.

Enviably looking out over Sydney Harbour, Wunulla Road sits within the popular coastal enclave of Point Piper. As a generous family home, the prime positioning of the residence also ensures views that extend beyond the immediate surrounds and encourages a natural connection from all aspects. Originally built in 1928, the house was designed in the Spanish style, where an emphasis on outdoor living dictates both the planning and flow between inside and out. Having been passed down through a variety of custodians since it was first built, stripping back as close to the original as possible was key for Richards Stanisich.

Originally built in 1928, the home was designed in the Spanish style, where an emphasis on outdoor living dictates both the planning and flow between inside and out.

To pay homage to its past, the newly defined residence is sculpted with a more anchored approach, with soft formality that grounds the masonry elements in place. As a celebration of the owner’s love of open plan living, arced openings and a flowing access across thresholds allows for the interior to be filled with natural light and be cooled with natural ventilation, filling the spaces throughout the year. An integration with the surrounding landscape also then provides a welcomed buffer between the built and the natural elements on site whilst emphasising the solidity of the form.

The home is a combination of Australian methods with a European classical approach. Steeped in legacy and an enduring longevity, the integration of principles and techniques that will stand the test of time was key. A sense of generosity underpins the residence, both as an expression of place and an ode to an era of large and open living. Carrying forward the existing character forms the base of the home, with newly integrated contemporary living driving the planning and connections throughout. By engaging in a deliberately muted palette, the house becomes a vessel for the coming chapters, intended to remain relevant and provide a calm and soothing place as well.

Carrying forward the existing character forms the base of the home, with newly integrated contemporary living driving the planning and connections throughout.

Respectfully combining past and present, Wunulla Road emerges as a warm and recessive retreat from the world. By utilising the surrounds for inspiration, the home becomes a calming conduit. Richards Stanisich ensures it will endure whilst retaining its significance.