Bondi Beach Semi

Angus & Petrea owned a semi-detached home in a prime part of Sydney’s eastern suburbs. While the location was ideal, the layout felt cramped for their young family. They needed more space and natural light — without compromising the home’s character or the streetscape.

In any semi-detached home renovation in Sydney, it’s essential to design an upper floor that respects both the attached neighbour and the view from the street. Many second-storey additions try to match the original roofline with pitched roofs. While this appears sympathetic from outside, it often results in tight and awkward interior spaces.

In this case, the neighbouring semi had already been extended. Initially, Waverley Council requested a mirrored addition. But we proposed a more refined, contemporary approach that improved amenity and light while maintaining visual balance. To their credit, the Council approved the design, recognising its positive impact.

The second floor is a clearly modern insertion within the original roof form. It features an aluminium-clad façade (from Hunter Douglas Commercial) that visually floats above a band of weatherboard cladding, painted dark grey. This band sits between the new addition and the original brick base.

The renovation includes a new kitchen and dining space at ground level. Upstairs, we added two bedrooms and a family bathroom. Clerestory windows introduce soft daylight into the upper landing and bathrooms, and allow cross ventilation through the bedrooms.

This project demonstrates how a semi-detached home renovation in Sydney can enhance everyday living — with sensitive design that respects the past while looking to the future.