Lofty Beacon | Projects

Amid the suburban charm of Chatswood, Lofty Beacon presents an inspired conversation between past and present. Balancing the integrity of a post-war brick bungalow with the boldness of a contemporary extension, the design delivers a home that is as adaptable as it is striking.

For a professional couple with teenagers, the project was an opportunity to create a sanctuary that balances independence with connection. The clients envisioned a house where their children could flourish in private, well-designed spaces while also welcoming their school friends and social circles into a vibrant, communal environment. At the same time the parents sought their own retreat, a master suite intentionally set apart from the teenagers’ quarters to provide privacy while maintaining a connection to the heart of the home.

The gently sloping site and the desire to preserve the character of the existing bungalow required a design that prioritises light, flow, and functionality. The resulting home celebrates the duality of preservation and progression, blending old and new in a way that fosters connection without compromise.

To honour the bungalow’s original character, the design retained its external envelope, while the rear extension, visually and physically distinct, signals a new chapter for the home. A central courtyard serves as a unifying element, bringing light into the deepest parts of the house and creating a clear visual and spatial separation between the existing structure and the new addition.

The architectural centrepiece of the extension is a sweeping elevated walkway, an innovative solution that resolves circulation challenges while celebrating the verticality of the space. Linking the right half of the house to the southern master wing, the walkway overlooks the double-height living area, offering a dramatic perspective of the home’s interior and reinforcing the sense of connection across its distinct zones.

Inside Lofty Beacon, spaces are carefully zoned for flexibility and function. The teenagers’ bedrooms occupy the original structure, their layout reimagined to create private sanctuaries with ensuite bathrooms and personal study areas. In contrast, the new addition houses communal living spaces and the master retreat, with its elevated position offering sweeping backyard views.

Materiality plays a critical role in uniting the design. The brick of the original bungalow is celebrated as an internal feature wall in the lounge, creating a tactile link to the home’s past. This warmth is complemented by the sleek finishes of the extension, where clean lines and understated tones define the aesthetic. The minimalist palette ensures cohesion while allowing the architecture to shine.

The connection between interior and exterior spaces is a defining feature of Lofty Beacon. From the living area, sliding glass doors lead directly to the backyard, where a pool and firepit create a natural extension of the family’s entertaining spaces. The courtyard at the junction of old and new provides a tranquil, light-filled void, blurring the boundaries between indoors and out.

By situating the double-height living spaces along the north-facing side, the design captures abundant sunlight throughout the day. Meanwhile, the elevated walkway and tiered courtyard establish visual and physical links across the home, making it feel both expansive and intimate.

For the clients and their children, the transformation of Lofty Beacon has exceeded expectations. The triplets, each enjoying the luxury of private bedrooms, now have spaces that foster independence and identity. Meanwhile, the open-plan living areas and backyard connection ensure the house remains a lively hub for friends and family alike. This dual focus on individuality and togetherness epitomizes the home’s success. The parents have found their retreat in the master wing, with serene views and seamless access to the vibrant heart of the house below.

Lofty Beacon encapsulates the best of preservation and contemporary innovation. By celebrating the past while embracing the future, it offers a blueprint for how suburban homes can evolve to meet modern needs without losing their soul. This is a house designed not just to be lived in, but to grow with its family—ensuring it remains as dynamic, inviting, and enduring as the lives it shelters.

Know more about The Rubix — and build something bold!

FLOORPLAN

1. Entry
2. Garage
3. Rumpus
4. Bedroom
5. Bathroom
6. Courtyard/Lightwell
7. Walk-in Robe
8. Kitchen
9. Pantry/Storage
10. Dining
11. Living
12. Laundry
13. Void
14. Subfloor

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