Alterations and additions to an existing semi on a narrow site in south Bondi. The proposal includes a new basement, alterations to the rear of the dwelling and a new top floor. Careful attention is given to the retention of the existing facade which forms part of an ‘architectural family’ of dwellings along the street.
Internally the spaces are reconfigured for improved connection to the external areas of the property and to maximise natural light and cross ventilation while maintaining privacy for the owners. The new first floor includes a master bedroom with extensive views to the beach.
Architecture by LFA
Interiors by Pair Studio
Built by Black Label Developments
For the design of a new studio at the rear of an existing beach shack the brief was to ‘go crazy’… with a hint of Palm Springs modernist vibe. The result is a highly angular, two storey studio space that fits a lot of space into the maximum 60sqm of floor area allowable under the planning codes - that is, two bedrooms, a loft, 2 bathrooms, dressing room, kitchen, dining and living all opening onto a new pool and landscaped gardens.
Materials, form, space and the planning are all highly considered to maximise the feeling of space in such a tight area while bespoke detailing and joinery provide a high level of multi-functionality, and a sense of enjoyment and discovery.
Architecture and Interiors by LFA
Built by Black and White Design and Construction
A new house is nestled under the ridge line of a small spur that divides a valley into two. The house has an eastern outlook over the valley and toward another line of hills beyond. The site is dense bushland and also off the grid, so bushfire, ecological and passive environmental design systems were a primary concern in the design.
The solution was twofold: 1. to spread the house along the hillside to minimise excavation, and 2. to efficiently reduce the floor area of the house as much as possible to minimise its footprint on the landscape. These coupled with intelligent orientation, control of sunlight and airflow, reuse of water and on site processing of wastewater means the home will have only a small impact on the immediate landscape while providing a comfortable space for the occupants.
Located in a heritage conservation area in Balmain, this project is for rear additions to an 1870’s workers cottage.
The design clearly responds to the limitations of the site - it’s narrow footprint, corner frontage, an existing 4 storey warehouse to the rear and the potential to overshadow the neighbour to the south - through carefully devised planning and sectional strategies. These include a solid street wall to the lane way which is punctured by well proportioned openings allowing only glimpses of the activity inside, a stepped and sloped first floor with dormer windows, a central courtyard (allowing light to pass through the site to the southern neighbour), and separate studio over the garage space.
Materials have been selected to respond to the heritage context - the ground floor provides a solid masonry base on top of which a more modern, sleek form rests.