Bidjigal and Gadigal Country
NSW
On Bidjigal, Gadigal Country, this home nestles among magnificent Moreton Bay figs in a quiet Waverley backstreet. The renovation responds to a family’s desire for connection—to nature, home, and each other—while creating space to grow and moments for reflection.
Strategic modifications to the original 1950s bungalow introduce a lightwell, bringing natural light deep inside and creating a layered composition from entry through to the rear garden. By lowering the ground floor to meet the garden, living spaces are embedded within lush greenery. The charred timber-clad first floor steps to create separation between parent and child domains, while roof periscopes draw light through double-height voids. A central spotted gum staircase forms the heart of the home, connecting spaces while allowing independent inhabitation.
In collaboration with TARN landscape designers, verdant spaces surround the home, creating an ever-changing natural backdrop that complements the family’s life.
• The home is a serene retreat from our working lives. The interconnectedness of spaces has allowed greater quality of family interaction. The spaces are simultaneously restful and contemplative, punctuated by pockets of playfulness for children and adults alike.
• There is artfulness incorporated into our daily lives, quiet luxury in the layered texture and detail, and a respectfulness of nature reflected in the materiality and palette. This design has fostered a mindfulness in our daily home life, in meals together and simple domesticity – an appreciation of the need to slow down and enjoy simple things.
Sam Crawford, Director
Jarad Grice, Project Architect
Charly Watson, Project Architect
Jacqui Singer, Graduate of Architecture
Structure Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
ITM Design, Hydraulic Consultant
TARN, Landscape Consultant
QS Plus, Quantity Surveyor
Residential Certifying Specialist, PCA
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
