Rose Bay I

**Transforming a Family Home in Rose Bay: A Personal Journey in Design**‌

This project holds a special place in my heart as it was one of my very first architectural endeavors, completed while I was moonlighting outside my full-time position at a local architectural firm. The clients were the parents of a child who was friends with my daughter at preschool, making it not just a professional project, but a personal one too. They were looking to update their narrow, semi-detached house in Rose Bay, located on the busy Old South Head Road, into a modern family home with more access to daylight and private outdoor space.‌

The existing house was well-loved but lacked the space and functionality that this growing family needed. After understanding their needs, I designed a comprehensive plan that would significantly enhance the living space. The Development Application, which included major additions and alterations, was approved by Woollahra Council and set the course for a home that better suited the family’s lifestyle.‌

Given the budget, we decided to phase the project into two stages. Stage 1 involved ground-floor additions, with structural elements installed to “future-proof” the home for a first-floor addition when the time and budget allowed. The first stage included a contemporary overhaul of the existing bedrooms and bathroom, making them more functional while retaining their charm.

A new, open-plan kitchen and dining area became the heart of the home, with a split-level living room designed to open up to the rear deck. By creating a higher ceiling in this space and expressing the steel portal frames (a structural necessity for demolishing existing walls), we turned what could have been an afterthought into a standout design feature. The covered rear deck, with an operable vergola, allows the inside to seamlessly flow outside, extending the family’s living space and creating a true sense of indoor-outdoor living.

A special highlight was the kitchen island, designed to double as a built-in dining table—perfect for family meals and entertaining. At the rear, an oasis-like cabana and swimming pool provided the family with a peaceful retreat, a place to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the project was the relationship I built with my clients. They were friendly with their neighbors, who were so impressed with the design that they approached me to redesign their own semi-detached home! It was heartwarming to see how the design not only improved the functionality of the house but also positively impacted the family’s neighborhood.

Although my clients have since sold the house, they continue to reach out for architectural advice as they navigate their property ventures. It’s been a privilege to be part of their journey, and this project remains one of the most memorable for its personal connections and the joy it brought to a family’s life.