BRONTE HOUSE

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Project Brief & Design Intent

Bronte House began with a young, dynamic, growing family living in a single-storey home that was no longer sufficient for their needs. The clients were quickly outgrowing the existing layout, and the brief focused on expanding and improving the home to suit modern family living while responding sensitively to its coastal suburban context.

A key early decision was to work with a local architect who was also a friend, establishing a collaborative and trusted relationship that carried through the entire build — an approach that set a strong tone for coordination between client, architect and builder on site.

Construction & Craftsmanship

Rather than replacing the original house entirely, the project built upon the existing structure:

→ A second storey was added, increasing space and providing better accommodation for the family.

→ The rear of the house was extended to create a more generous footprint, with improved connection to outdoor areas.

→ A timber deck, swimming pool and landscaped garden were introduced, enhancing the property’s outdoor living potential and reinforcing a strong indoor-outdoor relationship.

Architectural forms were softened and refined with rounded corners, Mediterranean-style render and carefully considered timber patterns on the upper floor. These moves both referenced and refreshed the original façade, giving the home a distinctive character that feels both inviting and cohesive.

Material Palette

Bronte House is distinguished by a high level of craftsmanship across all trades, which became one of the project’s defining strengths. On site, this was evident in:

→ The oversized timber pergola, constructed with precision by the carpentry team

→ The Mediterranean rough texture render applied meticulously over the existing brick structure

→ Finely detailed joinery throughout the build that elevates both function and finish

These elements contributed to a build quality that was regularly praised, even by passers-by, reflecting the everyday visibility and public presence of the home in a high-traffic location.

Client & Architect Experience

The project began with the engagement of a local architect already known to our team, establishing trust and alignment from the outset. This familiarity set the foundation for an exceptional working relationship between client, architect and builder — one defined by openness, respect and shared intent.

Clear communication and close collaboration on site allowed decisions to be resolved efficiently and design intent to be carried through with consistency, resulting in a build process marked by discipline, cooperation and a high standard of execution.

Outcome 

Bronte House balances refinement with everyday liveability. The addition of a second storey and the extension to the rear significantly improved the spatial and functional capacity of the home, while new outdoor elements strengthened the relationship between the house and its landscape. The result is a family home that feels generous yet grounded, shaped by careful planning and disciplined execution.

Recognised as a Finalist in the MBA Excellence in Housing Awards 2024 (House Alterations & Additions), the project reflects the quality of the build, the strength of the collaboration between client, architect and builder, and a shared commitment to delivering architecture that performs well and endures over time.

→ Download Case Study

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Modern home's open interior view with patio, wooden furniture, sliding glass door, and kitchen area.
Outdoor patio with wooden floor, table, and benches, with an outdoor grill and a glass railing. Surrounded by greenery, including trees and bushes, and a partly cloudy sky.
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Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, marble countertop, gold faucet, and an arched window with view of outdoor garden and patio.
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