BRONTE HOUSE, 2013

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Project Brief & Design Intent

Bronte House was the family home of To The Mil founder Liam Flood.

After more than 20 years living on the site, Liam and his family had developed a deep understanding of the home's strengths, limitations and untapped potential. They understood where the light entered throughout the day, how the family occupied the spaces, and how disconnected the house felt from its greatest asset — the remarkable landscape at the rear of the property.

Positioned on a steep north-south site, the original 1920s residence overlooked a significant gully ecosystem and mature garden, yet much of this relationship remained unrealised. The rear yard sat below street level and was difficult to access from the house, limiting both its functionality and enjoyment.

The vision was to transform the home into a contemporary family residence centred around light, airflow, landscape and long-term liveability. Equally important was creating a stronger identity to the street while ensuring the home could support the evolving needs of a growing family, entertaining, academic study and an extensive art collection.

The result would be a house that felt more connected to its setting, more generous in its living spaces and better suited to everyday family life.

Construction & Craftsmanship

The transformation required far more than a cosmetic renovation.

Working within the framework of the existing 1920s structure, the project carefully reimagined the way the house engaged with the site. Spaces were opened, reconfigured and connected to improve circulation, outlook and natural ventilation throughout the home.

The design sought a balance between openness and privacy, allowing family areas, work zones and retreat spaces to operate independently when needed while maintaining a strong sense of connection across the house.

Every intervention was guided by a desire to improve the lived experience of the home rather than simply increase its size. The success of the project lies not only in what was added, but in how the spaces now work together.

Material Palette

The material selection reflects the project's emphasis on longevity, simplicity and connection to place.

A restrained palette of sandstone, white and charcoal tones was chosen to create a calm architectural language that sits comfortably within the landscape.

→ Sandstone introduces warmth, texture and a strong connection to the site's natural setting.

→ White surfaces maximise natural light and bring clarity to the reconfigured spaces.

→ Charcoal accents provide depth, contrast and architectural definition throughout the home.

Together, these materials create a timeless backdrop for family life while allowing the surrounding garden and landscape to remain the focus.

Outcome

Bronte House transformed a disconnected and inward-looking residence into a contemporary family home defined by light, landscape and liveability.

The renovation established a much stronger connection to the rear garden, improved natural ventilation throughout the home and created generous yet flexible spaces that support everyday family life.

More than a decade later, the project continues to demonstrate the value of thoughtful design, honest materials and a deep understanding of place.

The quality of the outcome was recognised by the industry, with Bronte House winning the HIA NSW Renovations/Additions Project $600,000–$1 Million and the HIA NSW Renovations/Additions Project of the Year.