Deepwater Bondi, Sydney

On a spectacular Bondi site in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, Deepwater is an award-winning home that celebrates its iconic location and our clients’ family story.

Perched on the high tide line at Bondi Beach, the building’s architecture and material selection were informed by the harsh environmental conditions and limited site access.

The architecture uses classical-style vertical and horizontal grids to create floors with different ceiling heights and spatial qualities. Rooms and balconies project beyond and recede into the exoskeleton.

The interior design is deliberately restrained to counteract the relentless activity outside, with a consistent material palette enabling indoor and outdoor spaces to flow seamlessly.

Overcoming the site’s modest footprint, our design approach captures spectacular views, and enables the house to be easily divided into two spacious apartments when guests stay over.

The design also speaks to its environment – with operable devices to bring in sea breezes, warm sunshine, salty air and dappled light – resulting in a home that is always naturally comfortable, regardless of the weather.

“The fact we embarked on a fourth (and major) project with (Tobias Partners) is probably the best recommendation we can give. In the past we have worked on projects with some of Australia’s major architects some of which have won national awards, so we have a good basis of comparison with the way Tobias Partners work and the practices of other firms.

An outstanding feature of their work is a very strong and consistent application of contemporary design principles. These principles inform the work from the first concept drawings through to the final details. This carries through into an intense focus on the details of the building, which may be self-effacing but seem both beautiful and right when looked at closely.

The firm also has a good grip on process which is carefully planned. To this they bring a wealth of experience in dealing with difficult situations whether technically, in terms of the building process itself or in working with Councils and the Land and Environment Court on contentious matters. These are all critical skills in terms of getting plans approved and building in a timely and cost-effective manner. The combination of very strong design skills and extensive experience in the commercial aspects of a project is unusual and very helpful to the client.

Finally, We have found they work well with other consultants and professionals whose contributions to the project are important such as town planners, heritage consultants and engineers. They have the respect of top professionals in the area.

At the end of the day what matters is that they produce beautiful work, which has a timeless, classic quality to it. All else is secondary”. – Client

“Perched high above the sea swell in Bondi, Sydney, Deepwater House has been designed by Tobias Partners to serve as both a spectacular platform for entertaining and a cherished home for the family that live here. Inside, the home reflects a sense of calm and rest with the monochromatic palette running throughout playing a stark contrast to the continual activity and changing landscape of the exterior. Harsh environmental conditions together with limited access to Ben Buckler Point site dictated to some degree the buildings structure and the use of materials. Spanning five levels, the interior has been cleverly designed so that it may be divided into two spacious apartments as required, ensuring privacy and space when guests stay over” – Est Living