Acknowledging Bondi’s Art Deco style, Studio Weave Architects (SWA) transformed an outdated brick apartment into a beach house, intersecting modern and classical architecture.

After purchasing a two-bedroom apartment, the client began to seek to transform the house into a light space full of air, and hinted at the local and beach atmosphere. Since the lounge is close to the kitchen, the space needs to be integrated-creating a more public space during the dinner, while also providing opportunities for intimate experience.

The kitchen area is a special focus of this practice, trying to define the space and connection between the home center and the living room. The joinery layout, mainly the island platform, ensures that the transition is seamless. The curved corner softens this element—inviting people to walk along the corridor and gather around it. The wall joinery of the kitchen also flows into the living area. A high-rise shelf connects the two spaces, providing the opportunity to hide the drop-down projector screen, LED strips and curtain rails.

In order to create a greater sense of space in the narrow apartment, a series of space-saving measures were used, such as a hidden laundry room, a drop-down audio-visual screen and overhead furniture. The bathroom has entered the 21st century, and now there is plenty of natural light, and the distinction between wet and dry is clear. 

The damp area contains bathtubs and showers, and the tiles on the walls and ceiling are made of brass strips, which mark the change in the dry area. Terrazzo floor tiles connect the two spaces and continue the palette from the main living area.

At the same time the 1970s apartment was updated, Studio Weave Architects ensured that the residence reflects the fresh and exciting atmosphere that Bondi has. The apartment acknowledges its Art Deco tradition, with many contemporary elements, ensuring a seamless transition between spaces, and forming a clear distinction between Modernist style and Art Deco style.

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