A traditional bungalow was transformed into a contemporary family home, while ensuring the past was not forgotten. The original street front and rooms were retained, ceilings repaired and rooms repurposed with contemporary fittings and fixtures to bring them up to date. The new 2 story addition was added to the rear and the external spaces and gardens completely reimagined.
Generous spaces and light were paramount. A sense of the playful was also important, along with extensive storage and connection to the garden. Every detail was carefully considered to ensure that the home functioned as a robust family home, yet allowed the art and objects to be the focus.
The back elevation was opened up to reveal a large garden and entertaining area. A custom designed washing line, fishpond and timber play deck around the large tree in the backyard enhance the internal spaces.
Featured in Australian House and Garden
Builder : Emax Projects
The Stables
Lisa Zahra Design was called in to do a complete redesign of the ground floor which was derelict after being used as offices by the previous owners. Spaces needed to be created to function for different members of the family. A robust playroom for their young sons, a gym and guest bathroom, cinema room, parents retreat complete with pool table, kitchenette and custom designed, climate controlled, glass fronted wine storage. The exterior and entry was redesigned in collaboration with Secret Gardens, along with a new fireplace added in the upstairs living area.
The owners gave Lisa creative freedom allowing the resulting spaces to be fun and completely customised. Their fabulous art collection sits next to a reclaimed fence pailing which was repurposed into a steel sliding door by JBC Constructions and a 200 year old French Cellar door marks the entry to the wine room. In the boys playroom, navy Pirelli rubber flooring, a blackboard wall, school lockers, work lights strung across the ceiling and a commisioned graffiti artwork by Fintan Magee complete the space. Finished off with a new polished concrete floor, exposed original supports and brickwork, and the ceiling clad in reclaimed fence failings.
The result is truely original and fun home.
Builder: JBC Constructions
Photography : Catherine Lu
A large block in one of Sydney's most spectacular locations was the backdrop for creating a new family home. The owners are keen entertainers and therefore the connection between inside and out was paramount, along with captivating the views.
A palate of timber, concrete and greys was established to compliment the predominantly white structure. Spaces are generous and lead to outdoor entertaining at both the front ocean side and the large backyard area, complete with pool. The entire top floor is dedicated to the adults with a large bedroom, walk in robe and bathroom capturing views from the city to Manly and out South Head.
The finishing touch, a commissioned graffiti artwork by "Water", was created to embellish the pool area and signal to all that this house was made for fun and the owners love nothing more than a house full of people.
Photography: Katherine Lu
The brief from this vibrant young family was to create a contemporary beach house. A new second storey was added to house the bedrooms and bathrooms, and the ground floor was totally redesigned to incorporate a new powder room, laundry and open plan living, dining and kitchen space complete with study nook. A new external deck with automated pergola and built in BBQ and fridge allows for seamless entertaining.
The owners were keen to incorporate personality and colour to the spaces. Beautiful wallpapers, cement tiles and coloured ceilings ensure this house fits its owners completely.
Photography: Katherine Lu
Builder GKP Builders
