Headland House by Richards Stanisich is a new residence within an existing Art Deco building in Bondi.While retaining the building’s structural and exterior form, the project involved substantial replanning to create a single house. Redesigned with a level added for the living and kitchen area, the exterior of the building was restored, with the main outdoor terrace structurally rebuilt. The practice also added balconies to the previously flat facade, taking existing openings to the ground and adding steel-framed glass doors. Original windows throughout the rest of the building remain unchanged, framing the views and embracing the interiors.Set over four levels, the entrance is on the highest level up a half flight of stairs from the street. “This is the new addition with the main living and kitchen area and large roof terrace.” Discussing the home’s plan, Richards Stanisich director Jonathan Richards says that the next level down holds the main bedroom with an en suite, walk-in robe, and an enclosed media room or snug. “It’s the beginning of the big open spiral stairs. Where the original staircase and entry were.” On the lower ground level, Richards continues, are two bedrooms facing the water, down again and out onto a lawn at the back is an open studio space with a scalloped ceiling and a red kitchenette.
