Our clients purchased this Rose Bay residence with the intention of transforming it into a functional, family-focused home.
Though full of potential, the original layout felt disconnected — limited natural light, underutilised rooms, and no clear connection between daily family life and the generous rear garden. A unique aspect of the brief was the need to accommodate all the items that would typically live in a garage — bikes, surfboards and outdoor gear — without compromising internal space. We responded by reimagining the front sitting room and associated entry corridor, converting it into a streamlined storage zone with custom cabinetry for shoes, school bags and equipment. The result is a practical and visually calm arrival experience that supports the rhythm of everyday life.
At the rear of the house, poorly considered planning had left the main living areas disconnected from the outdoors. By removing internal walls, we opened the home to light, air and views across the garden. A new outdoor terrace, now correctly proportioned for family dining and entertaining, is sheltered with adjustable louvre blades — providing flexibility from sun to shade through the seasons..
To support both togetherness and independence, a full-height sliding wall allows the children’s play area to be linked or separated from the main living space as needed. Upstairs, the primary bedroom was reconfigured to improve privacy and natural ventilation, with a new ensuite oriented to capture fresh air and daylight. Sustainability and smart living were integral to the redesign. Enhanced cross-ventilation, increased daylight, solar panel integration and outdoor composting zones including a worm farm align the home with contemporary environmental thinking. Reducing the pool size enabled more usable lawn — creating space for play, sport and family gatherings.