A delineation between new and old, a sleek modern metal-clad apartment was melded to one of this famous area’s existing Art Deco buildings. White metallic cladding with irregular jointing patterns makes for a strong visual contrast to the rendered solid masonry.
The interior is achieved through great attention to detail, with open-plan living spaces that flow into external entertaining areas and an abundance of natural light via full-height glazing, skylights and low-level glass louvres.
IN BRIEF
Create an addition to a building that is considerate of its history and also contributes to its place at Australia’s most iconic beach.
ARCHITECT’S WORDS
The design response was to plant a lightweight metallic clad addition onto the existing building. This white pristine metallic cladding with its irregular jointing patterns make for a strong visual contrast to the rendered solid masonry building below.
As a formal gesture, the project is an exercise of delineating between ‘new’ and ‘old’ - respectfully. This approach has also provided a public and cultural benefit that gives a lightness and sculptural interest which enriches the streetscape and surrounds.
The addition is well setback from the front and therefore not dominating the existing building which is a contributory item and has some heritage significance. Nor does it mimic or replicate the existing which many additions have tried to emulate; this is a stand alone element in its own right.
From the outset, the new addition was to be a clear distinction between ‘new’ and ‘old’. The addition characterised by its white metallic cladding has a lightweight appearance recessive yet prominent gives a soft contrast to the pastel blue of the existing building.
The whiteness of the new addition is also a response to council’s suggestion at a pre-DA meeting that they wanted the development not to be ‘seen’ from the street - invisible one may say.
An existing alcove on the top floor provided the location for the entry point via a new spiral stair to the penthouse, whilst a lift was located at the rear of the building for direct access to the penthouse. The spatial arrangement revolves around these two points.
The bedrooms are aligned in a row on the north elevation each having an ensuite and enjoying exceptional views of Bondi Beach. An open living area flows out to the external terrace which has been created by the generous front setback off the building parapet.
The kitchen and laundry are located on the south which acts as a buffer. A long corridor also on the south is the circulation spine inviting natural light into the deepest parts of the dwelling and linking the bedrooms to the living areas - enhancing the experience of movement between rooms.
An interesting element to this project was the procurement process that comes with the client being simultaneously owner, developer and builder.
The client/builder in this case introduced a dedicated team of consultants and contractors who all had previously worked together on earlier projects.
Working alongside the steel/metallic cladding/ window fabricators, joiners, tilers, electricians in working out ‘tricky details’ all felt a sense of proud ‘ownership’ to the finished product. The builder’s skill, experience and foresight was properly valued and exploited.
Living areas open to the view to the east and glazing maximised on the north to bring in natural sunlight deep into the living and kitchen areas. Bedrooms were aligned on the north taking in views of the beach, operable fire windows were used as the glazing encroached on the three metre setback requirement.
All bathrooms and ensuites have operable skylights to promote natural lighting and ventilation. The main corridor has an abundance of natural lighting via the five metre long frameless glass skylight.
Natural ventilation enters via low level adjustable glass louvres, warm breezes are cooled via an inside/outside water feature. Another skylight, circular in form hovers over the spiral stair and draws natural light to the entry level on the lower floor.
The ‘service zones’ comprising kitchen, pantry and laundry act as a buffer zone on the south elevation. The lightweight steel frame is filled out with insulation and it’s exterior walls clad with two layers of fire check to achieve the required fire rating adds to the thermal protection of the envelope.
ACCOLADES
• World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards, Barcelona (Shortlisted) 2011
• Interior Design Awards (Shortlisted) 2011
• IDEA Awards (shortlisted) 2011
PRODUCTS
WHITE PANELLING
ALUCOBOND ARCHITECTURAL
DECKING
AMERICAN OAK
PAINT
DULUX
INTERNAL TOILET AND BASIN
DURAVIT
TAPS
VOLA
BATHS
KALDEWEI
FLOORING
DANNY'S TIMBER, FLOORBOARDS
CAVALIER BREMWORTH LTD, CARPET
BENCH TOPS
SCARELLI JOINERY
STAINLESS STEEL
WK MARBLE & GRANITE
FLOOR TILES AND WALLS
STS
ISAAC KOREN
