This white pristine metallic cladding with its irregular jointing patterns make for a strong visual contrast to the rendered solid masonry building below.

‘Concept
The fundamental architectural proposition explored in this project was how do you add to a building which has its own history and place within an existing environment which it contributes to form a place in one of Sydney’s iconic beaches. 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…’

‘…Relationship of Built Form to Context
From the outset, the new addition was to be a clear distinction between ‘new’ and ‘old’. The addition characterized 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.

Planning (Program Resolution)
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 2 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…’

ARCHITECT: MPRDG, Sydney, Australia. LOCATION: Sydney, Australia. DESCRIPTION: residential. STATUS: completed. AREA: 215 sqm. PROJECT ARCHITECT: Kevin Ng. PROJECT TEAM: Brian Meyerson, Sebastian Kaintoch, Amanda Ienco. DATE: 2010. No part of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of Morfae and the copyright owner.