Bronte Reframe House, New South Wales residence, NSW home, Australian property photos

Bronte Reframe House in Bronte, NSW

5 August 2024

Architects: Still Space Architecture

Location: Bronte, New South Wales, Australia

Photos © Brett Boardman

Bronte Reframe House, Australia

Bronte Reframe House
Sydney-based firm Still Space Architecture has transformed a noisy, hot 1980s beach house into a healthy, energy-efficient haven.
When the family of five first moved in, the house was dubbed the ‘playschool house’ due to its array of window shapes and heights, ‘none of which operated correctly,’ says Nina Still, director of Still Space Architecture. ‘While the owners cherished their coastal location, the house was uncomfortably hot in summer, cold in winter, and excessively noisy.’

After three years of living in the home, the owners enlisted the help of Still Space Architecture, known for their expertise in architecture and certified Passive House design. The initial brief was to address acoustic issues and update the windows and facade. This expanded into a full renovation when the house’s poor performance was uncovered, requiring significant upgrades for long-term efficiency. ‘The site is compact and overlooked by neighbouring homes, so window placement and privacy screening were key considerations. We also aimed to ensure every room had a view of the garden, ocean, pool, sky, or trees,’ Nina explains.

The owners recall the challenges right from when they bought the house: ‘We faced numerous issues, particularly with thermal insulation,’ they shared. ‘The windows were not effective in maintaining the desired temperature inside the house, be it warm or cool.’ Reflecting on the renovation, they noted, ‘The design achieved what it was meant to, in that it framed what we wanted to look at, and filtered the neighbour’s houses.’

Adjustable facade screens made from recycled plastic, rice husks, and recycled hardwood timber are among the passive design elements introduced for thermal efficiency: folding open to invite light, air, and visual connection or folding shut to block out sun and provide privacy. An airtight and insulated internal layer and an external ventilated system are also interventions to reduce heat gain through the facade.

The floorplan has been modified to improve light and ventilation throughout the space. Windows are strategically reduced in size and replaced with double-glazing to enhance thermal performance while curating view lines.

Blackbutt timber flooring extends throughout, giving the house warmth and character. The open-plan living-kitchen-dining area on the ground floor features floor-to-ceiling windows along the northern side, allowing natural light to flood the space and seamlessly connect with the greenery, pool and courtyard. The kitchen integrates modern functionality with a warm aesthetic, featuring recessed lighting and minimalist hardware. Gas appliances have been replaced by electric ones, and all new tiles in the kitchen and bathroom have a ‘cradle to grave’ certification.

The central staircase, framed by vertical timber battens, serves as both a structural element and a visual centrepiece, creating continuity across different levels. Highlight windows and central skylights bounce soft light into the spaces. The neutral palette, inspired by the pinks, greens, and tans in the adjacent paperbark trees, imbues a warm pink as the light changes throughout the day.

Upstairs, the warm timber and neutral aesthetic continue in the bedrooms, study, and second living area. ‘The house is now much quieter, thermally efficient, and private, but also feels more connected to the outdoors and provides a calming retreat for the family,’ says Nina.

‘I love the light,’ shares the owner. ‘Visitors have been struck by the changes, often commenting on the reframed views they hadn’t noticed before. The house feels calmer and warmer.’

With its blend of modern aesthetics and passive house features, the Bronte Re-frame House exemplifies a fresh, contemporary approach to sustainable living, demonstrating how thoughtful design can transform a dated structure into a comfortable, healthy, and harmonious home.

About Still Space Architecture:
Still Space Architecture, led by Nina Still, is a certified Passive House practice with over 25 years of experience in architecture. Known for creating tranquil, light-filled spaces connected to the landscape, their goal is to provide clients with calm, healthy environments that use less energy and resources, focusing on innovative design, materials, colour, and sustainability.

Bronte Reframe House in Bronte, New South Wales – Building Information

Office Name: Still Space Architecture – https://www.stillspace.com.au/

Principal Architect: Nina Still
Project Completion: 2024
Project Location: Bronte, NSW, Australia.
Project Type: House renovation
Gross Build Area: 265 sqm
Photo Credits: Brett Boardman – https://www.brettboardman.com/
Builder: M J Minard Constructions (www.mjminard.com.au)
Landscaping: Outdoor Establishments (www.outdoorestablishments.com)

Photographer © Brett Boardman

Bronte Reframe House, Bronte, New South Wales images / information received 050824

Location: Bronte, NSW, Australia

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