Gardyne House Bronte

This new house overlooks the Pacific Ocean at Bronte. Our clients asked us to capture the magnificent views and maximise natural light and ventilation in the living areas.

Our architectural response is based on a split-level arrangement of indoor and outdoor spaces, which achieves varying degrees of privacy and exposure to the view.

Gathering and communal spaces are arranged along the northern façade, creating an inviting sun trap that overlooks the ocean. Internally, the living spaces are oriented towards the horizon-edge swimming pool – which is located along the boundary – to further emphasise connections to sea and sky.

Secondary functions are located to the rear (or southern part of the site), and dramatic contrasts between solids and voids – and changes in volume and height – create visual interest throughout.

Ten years after completion, we revisited Gardyne House to add two new rooms and an external terrace for our clients. Although modest in footprint, this architecture and interior design project has transformed the functionality of this much-loved family home, providing a parents’ retreat.

This new parents’ zone – comprising living space and home office – is slightly removed on the home’s upper level, enhancing the sense of privacy for both generations. It’s open to preserve views from bedrooms beyond – and private, thanks to a luxurious teal velvet curtain which can be drawn to isolate the space from the void as needed.

Our client was a key collaborator as interior decorator, lending the project an increased level of sophistication, befitting its use as a dedicated adult retreat.