North Bondi Semi

by Stanic Harding Architects

The project involved the complete refurbishment of a semi-detached house. Located to the south side of a pair of houses, it is a mirror reverse of one of our previous projects, North Bondi 1. The existing house was dark, cold in winter, hot in summer and was in the need of major surgery. This involved the introduction of a new upper level and complete reconfiguration of the ground level plan. This project shares some elements with North Bondi 1, however due to the site orientation and the client brief, this home delivers a completely different programme. The house is accessed via a series of large timber step platforms leading to the new entry which was moved toward the centre of the house to minimise corridor space. This central entry point offers multiple arrival options.

The occupants can head to the more private bedroom area to the front, ascend to the upper level via the open stairwell or move into the open plan kitchen, dining, living space. The kitchen has been ‘popped out’ into the side passageway creating a generous, well-proportioned, and flexible living space. This living space is directly connected to the tree lined rear courtyard. To address the issues of darkness, a series of Velux skylights were installed on the northern side of the roof. These skylights open into a two-storey void and circulation space, allowing light to flood down to the ground level. The first floor has an open slatted timber floor bridge that links the three bedrooms and the supporting facilities. This slatted bridging element brings gentle, filtered light through the house. The renovation has provided the clients with a light and airy relaxed home on a single level, supported by additional accommodation on the upper level.