This project required a respectful and carefully considered approach in order to integrate an addition to a building which has its own history within the iconic environment of Bondi’s Campbell Parade. Our response to the design dilemma was to place a lightweight metal clad structure onto the roof of the existing art deco building; the white metallic cladding with its irregular jointing patterns creating a strong visual contrast to the rendered masonry building below. By clearly delineating between the contemporary structure and the original building, MHNDU have reinvented the penthouse with appropriate recognition of heritage.
Internally, generous light-filled open living spaces flow onto expansive external entertaining areas with a full view of the sweep of Bondi Beach. Strict fire regulations restricted the amount of glazing allowed, which meant we drew upon a clever use of skylights, fire windows, low level glass louvres and full height glazing in central areas to ensure ample filtered light flooded the space. To capitalise on the outdoor appeal of the locale, external and internal lines are purposely blurred due to the white metallic cladding with its intricately random patterning flowing onto the interior walls and ceilings.
An external blade runs horizontally over the façade, concealing downpipes and terminating at an angle to form a daybed. The same blade cuts into the living space, creating a continuous floating fireplace joinery element. A lightweight steel frame, clad in composite metallic façade panelling, was used to float the new structure delicately on the existing building. Structural columns are concealed in joinery and some are clad in anodized aluminium to artfully form part of the window framing.
The result is a juxtaposing yet harmonious addition which maintains a sensitivity to its context while forming a contemporary and luxurious aesthetic.
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About the
Professional
MHNDU is a Sydney architectural collective dedicated to creating timeless spaces which cater to modern sensibilities. Dedicated to our craft for over twenty-five years, our ethos is unwavering: to cultivate experiential beauty in built form.
All of our projects are a physical testament to our fundamental philosophy of respecting the nuances of the architectural artform, catering to our clients’ needs for a unification of residential liveability and luxuriousness.
MHNDU represents the holistic union of principals Brian Meyerson, Kevin Ng, Liam Hancock and Tanya Awadallah. Together with their talented team, they fuse their experience, dedication to design creativity and strategic architectural visions with the ultimate goal of cultivating a legacy of quality, enduring and sustainable buildings.
MHNDU has established a strong reputation in our industry based on our unique blend of technical excellence, commercial acumen and forward-thinking design sensibility. We have cultivated a timeless portfolio of over a hundred works specialising in developments ranging from bespoke houses and small to medium size multi-residential projects to large scale urban renewal projects within the Eastern Suburbs and Greater Sydney area. Our projects are characterised by their confident, modernist statements tempered with an intimate knowledge of local climate, lifestyle and culture.
At MHNDU we understand that the development approvals process is one of the most challenging and daunting prospects for our clients. We have built our name on our ability to engage and mediate the processes involved between clients, council, neighbours and major stakeholders. We assist our clients’ assessment of their site’s development potential through feasibility and early concept design studies for a wide range of projects. We assess the potential for bonus floor space via voluntary planning agreements, affordable housing schemes and exceptions to the planning controls to increase the yield of our client’s sites.
We are proudly affiliated with interior design studio Lawless & Meyerson, experts in intentionally cultivating interior spaces which complement the architectural concept and elevate their client’s experiential sense of home. Headed by interior designer Jo Lawless, Lawless & Meyerson have collaborated with MHNDU on a range of multi award-winning projects, building on a wealth of experience and style of relaxed sophistication. From high-end bespoke homes to luxury apartments, each collaboration is treated individually and holistically from the inside out: a seamless blend of architectural expression and refined interiors.
Nominated Architect Brian Meyerson. NSW Registration No 4907. VIC Registration No 19861.