Glenayr House

A red brick semi in Bondi, once run down, and in need of some love, was transformed into a modern family home that embraces the relaxed lifestyle of the area. The renovation introduced open, light-filled spaces with strong connections to the outdoors, complemented by the addition of a pool, blending contemporary design elements with functionality for a growing family. Designers specified a robust material palette to withstand beachside living, featuring durable concrete floors and warm timber veneers. The result is a home that captures the essence of Bondi’s laid-back yet vibrant atmosphere, perfect for busy family living. Modify cleverly carving out pockets on the ground floor to introduce glimpses of landscaping that are visible from all living spaces. The large openings to the gardens allowed natural light to penetrate deep into the home’s layout. Joinery was used creatively to conceal stairs and provide discrete entry to a little study nook, laundry and powder room, whilst at the same time providing a growing family with lots of opportunity for storage. Curved elements were used throughout the design to soften the space, and integrated timber batten screens provided shading to the first-floor windows. The project embraced key passive measures, including maximizing natural light and promoting cross-ventilation for energy efficiency. The design reduced the need for artificial lighting and mechanical cooling, while recycled bricks were used on the façade.