Bondi Penthouse
Designed by Lawless and Meyerson, Bondi Penthouse balances refined materiality with coastal ease, creating a serene retreat defined by tactile finishes, natural light and uninterrupted ocean views.
Named after its coveted location, Bondi Penthouse offers a 180‑degree view of one of the world’s most famous beaches and sits as a contemporary structure behind a heritage Arts and Crafts facade. Its sheltered position inspired a simple design brief that focused on a sense of calm and retreat from the beach. “One of the phrases we had in mind from the beginning of the process was ‘barefoot luxury’,” says Jo Lawless, founder of Lawless and Meyerson. “For us, that’s about using high-quality materials in the right way – we like to let them speak for themselves.” The interiors of Bondi Penthouse showcase a tonal combination of bleached timbers, white walls and neutral linens. Natural light plays across its aged stone accents and limewashed floorboards, with every material contributing to a serene tactile environment.
Of the many textures that enliven the neutral colour scheme, timber is the most significant. Light, crown-cut timber veneer wraps the joinery, creating a dialogue between the horizontal and vertical elements. “It was always our intention to have a timber floor and we like to match the colour of our veneers to our floorboards,” Lawless explains. “For Bondi Penthouse, we chose Eveneer Island White from Elton Group, which is a light-toned product that sits comfortably in the space. We’ve been using Elton Group’s veneers for a long time, and when that happens – when we have our favourite products that we specify on each new project – we can feel confident that what we’re putting into our interiors aligns with our brand and the quality that we like to maintain. We’re lucky to have such a strong relationship with Elton Group. There’s a large network of people we engage with on a job, so having a supplier that we trust makes the process run more smoothly.” Working in harmony with the flooring, the joinery creates a consistent expression that allows the gaze to settle.
“In its aesthetic, detailing and ambience, Bondi Penthouse represents who we are as a design studio,” Lawless says. “In creative industries, it’s easy to become preoccupied with how things look, but for us the feeling of a space is vital. Sometimes we can imagine that feeling from the outset, and sometimes, as is the case with this project, we are still surprised by the tranquillity of what we have achieved.”
