“Tasked with creating an urban oasis on a small block in a densely populated area, connecting to the street and community while maintaining privacy for the residents was key. Nine-Square Bondi is a reflection of the client’s global and creative mindset, incorporating influences of time spent living in Hong Kong, their eclectic collection of art and love of Brazilian Brutalist houses. The core concept was to draw on their individuality but also to embrace and reflect the unique character of the Bondi Beach locality: casual, communal, colourful, imperfect and unadorned.”
When private life is public. Embracing its position and its personality Nine-Square Bondi by Sydney-based Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
Photography by Anson Smart
Nestled on a quiet street is an unassuming slate blue garage facade, behind which exists a rare courtyard house with industrial roots. The two-story house was designed to serve the dual purpose of the client’s home and working space. Creating a dialogue that connects the private and public zones was the main consideration in approaching the design for this two bedroom and two and a half bathroom residence. A focus was to also enhance the ease of flow between the multiple living spaces presented by the circular architecture of the courtyard. The indoor and outdoor; private and communal blend seamlessly with generous access to light and air. Each area within the home, with its own design identity, is interconnected. Here lies the beautiful balance of unity in a courtyard house.
I could not be more smitten with this home, by Melissa Lee of interior design firm Bespoke Only. I adore courtyards, and homes that aren’t what they appear from the façade. Photos: Alice Gao
“A dilapidated asbestos-clad boat shed has been transformed into a treasured extension of the Somers Beach House, enjoyed by several generations of the family. The existing structure, built in the 1950s, has been replaced and remodelled to provide modern day amenity along the Somers beachfront, preserving the original footprint and floor levels of the existing building.”
If you liked the Somers Beach House you’re going to LOVE the boathouse. My days by the beach would be spent watching the water lap the shore within its timber-clad walls. Once again by Wellard Architects.
Photography by Derek Swalwell
“Somers Beach House occupies a prominent beach fronted property overlooking Westernport Bay with expansive views to Phillip Island and beyond to Bass Strait. The house sits on the steepest section of the site, with two generous levels acting independently of one another. It is designed as an inter-generational holiday house, with a focus on the upper level of the home being comfortable when occupied only by a retired couple.”
Now that’s the way to do a beach house. I’m packing my bags. I guess I can just turn up uninvited. A sensitive and considered approach to people and site. Somers Beach House by Melbourne-based Wellard Architects.
Photography by Derek Swalwell
It is a reform of an existing house in ruins, which had already been built with sandstone walls sourced from a local sandstone quarry. The house is located on the outskirts of Porreras, a town located in the center-south of the Island of Mallorca, on a plot with a certain slope and views towards the town surrounded by the northern part of an oak grove and a cultivated field where traditionally they grow apricots. Raw materials are used to build the interior of the house.
Simple, modern, bright and blends with the landscape. What a work of art this is. Designed by munarq architectural studio. Photos: Silvia Foz