Bondi House
Staircase and new void - We moved the staircase from the prized North East corner of the house and made it a single flight stair at the end of the hall. This change had a transformational effect on the house on both levels. Instead of filling on the void left by the removed stair we left the void there and put in a big East facing window and then another big internal window looking from the library into the void below. The void served three functions, firstly, increasing the vertical space in the dining room, secondly, bringing morning sun and light into the house and thirdly, providing a visual connection between upstairs and downstairs. The new single flight stair had to be narrow but we increase its apparent width with a recessed handrail light and open steel art deco inspired balustrade. We also created a curved sculptural landing which gives the stair playfulness.
The overall aesthetic concept was to introduce curves throughout the house while maintaining an overall minimalist design. This has the result of enhancing the delight of the curves while avoiding kitsch features.