BONDI RESCUE

ifted a clean slate on which to build a new dwelling for a family in an enviable location, Madeleine Blanchfield of Madeleine Blanchfield Architects used the site’s limitations, such as extreme weather and proximity to heavily used public land, as inspiration to manifest an outstanding result. The house was a typical beachside semi-detached with its side fence running the length The greatest challenges were the narrowness of the site and the fact that it is attached to an old-style semi on one side. On the other hand there is an extraordinary 270-degree view from the upper level, so the challenge was worth taking on. The site is subject to extreme weather at times. We had to use materials and details that would withstand the weather and provide a sense of shelter and privacy in the exposed location. Concrete, stone and painted timber are used due to their low maintenance and durability. The completed home is refined but has interesting concrete arched forms and rigorous planning. We created a courtyard entry at the rear of the site, the opposite of the typical semi front door. This made the property feel like a house with presence, created a layered sense of entry and made use of the outdoor space. The entry stair is light filled and invites visitors to the top floor. It has a beautiful feel to it and looks over the olive tree in the courtyard. The whole side of the house is exposed to the park so it had to be as attractive and contributory as possible. We used materials and forms that referenced the Bondi vernacular and layered plants over the facade to soften it and give back to the public domain. The upper level planters also serve to shroud the living level and create a private, intimate environment without completely blocking the phenomenal panoramas. The plants are very hardy and can be trimmed to suit the views. There is an outdoor terrace tucked into the living level as exposure to weather and privacy made a terrace on either end a less attractive proposition. The owner has Chinese heritage and had some pieces before the house was built. We used these to inform the material choices such as the (blackened timber) kitchen joinery. The chairs and sofa are by Christophe Delcourt, whom we and the client admire greatly. His work is organic and unique and complements the refined, linear nature of the architecture. They are very happy with the execution. They cook a lot and use the separate kitchen, terrace and dual living spaces with kids on a daily basis and to entertain guests. The owner said to us, “I definitely feel a sense of elegance and calm with the house. Each day I am enjoying just being in it.” The location of this project is very unusual and special. The views extend from Bronte to north Bondi with a huge grassed area of oceanfront parkland between. The sunrise and moonrise are both incredible and the sense of being away from other dwellings is unique. The house is close to great bars and restaurants without being in the thick of the urban environment.