In the heart of Bondi, the Bondi Swirl House is a stunning example of how thoughtful design can transform a historic home while embracing modern coastal living.
We chat with Kitty Lee, founder of Kitty Lee Architecture, to delve into the inspiration behind this beautifully balanced project. From honoring heritage details to creating seamless indoor-outdoor connections, Kitty shares the design process, material selections, and the unique elements that make this home a true reflection of its owners' lifestyle.
Since launching her own practice in 2017, Kitty has focused on a select range of residential projects from concept to construction. She relishes the challenge of transforming older homes with contemporary additions and enjoys witnessing the profound impact that well-designed spaces can have on how people live.
We love how the Bondi Swirl House brings together timeless style, sustainability, and a deep connection to its surroundings–values that are truly aligned with the Totem Road ethos.
My clients love being outdoors and wished for a smooth connection between indoor and outdoor living areas. They desired more space for food preparation, storage, entertaining and relaxing. Aside from having open plan living, it was necessary to have separate rooms to accommodate overnight guests and for both to work from home. The clients wanted a light-filled home and to restore and preserve the period features of the existing terrace house.
The design was inspired by the selection of beautiful natural materials, highlighting and celebrating their unique qualities. It also evolved in response to the site’s constraints, creating a balance of light and space within the compact, narrow block.
Inside, we incorporated various shades of blue to reflect the client’s love for the ocean and complementing the home’s coastal location. For the new front porch, green tessellated tiles were chosen, while a large format printed wall tile in the studio ties in with the surrounding garden greenery.
The result is a blend of relaxed contemporary style with heritage charm.
How does the design reflect Bondi’s coastal character and lifestyle?
Respecting the heritage character of the existing workers cottage, we added a contemporary two-storey extension at the rear. The home reflects the owners’ active lifestyle and relaxed nature. It maximises natural light and ventilation and provides an outlook to greenery from every room. From the moment you enter, there is a sense of discovery, with much more hidden behind the heritage façade.
The clients are both cycling enthusiasts, and they now have a house on a relatively small site that meets all their needs - an open-plan indoor/outdoor living space connected to their garden, separate office spaces and plenty of bike storage in the shed.
How did you approach material selection to balance aesthetics, durability, and sustainability?
This project showcases a variety of natural materials, including dry-pressed bricks made from locally sourced clay, limestone pavers, and modified timber cladding. The timber cladding has been left with a raw finish, allowing it to gracefully silver over time. Each material is both durable and inherently beautiful and will continue to develop a patina as it ages. The robust brick studio mirrors the house in form and material, making a bold statement in the grungy laneway.
By using high-quality, timeless materials, the house is designed to be truly sustainable to endure the test of time.
What is your favourite space in the finished home?
My favourite space is the main bedroom, with its curved timber balcony that extends over the backyard. It feels like a serene retreat with views of the sky and garden. It’s an incredibly calming place to be.
We loved to see Totem Road pieces styled in the home, what was it that drew you to our brand and these pieces in particular?
I was drawn to Totem Road because their diverse collection complements the house perfectly. My favourite piece is the Juno Side Table, which combines natural stone and timber. It’s incredibly versatile and can fit seamlessly into multiple rooms.
Each piece is sustainably crafted from high-quality natural materials, with designs that are both simple and timeless.
Architect:Kitty Lee Architecture
Builder:Seabreeze Projects
Photographer:Anne Stroud Photography
Stylist:Tilly Roberts Design
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