Bronte Reframe House | Still Space Architecture | Bronte, New South Wales, Australia

Coastal Apartment Reimagined Through Sustainable Design

Situated in the coastal suburb of Bronte, Sydney, the Bronte Reframe House by Still Space Architecture presents a remarkable transformation — from an outdated 1980s home into a calm, energy-efficient family residence.

Under the leadership of Nina Still, the renovation redefines coastal living through a blend of architectural modesty, thermal efficiency, and sustainable craftsmanship.

Famous for its achievements in Passive House and ecologically sensitive architecture, Still Space Architecture was commissioned to address structural issues described by the owners as a “kindergarten-style home” — ineffective, noisy, and poorly insulated. The result is a modern, peaceful, and connected home that celebrates architectural intelligence and ecological sensitivity.

From Challenge to Transformation

When a family of five moved into their Bronte home, they immediately faced seasonal extremes: unbearable heat in summer, cold winters, and intrusive street noise. Initially seeking minor improvements — soundproofing, facade updates, new windows — the process quickly revealed the need for a comprehensive reimagining of structure and building efficiency.

The compact, sloped site surrounded by neighboring properties required thoughtful design to balance openness and privacy. The architectural solution emphasizes natural light, cross-ventilation, and controlled views, ensuring each room maintains visual connection to the garden, pool, ocean, or surrounding trees.

Innovative Passive Design and Intelligent Materials

The project's success hinges on a carefully planned system of passive ecological strategies that redefine the home’s thermal and acoustic qualities.

Individual adjustable facade screens, made from a blend of recycled plastic, rice husks, and reclaimed timber, become the most prominent feature of the house. These foldable screens can open to let in light and sea breezes or close to block heat and ensure privacy — offering a flexible, living shell adaptable to seasons.

The dense internal layer and external ventilated system ensure optimal thermal stability, reducing energy costs and increasing comfort. New double-glazed windows and controlled shading further enhance insulation and sound dampening, achieving a level of comfort and tranquility previously absent in the home.

A New Vision for Living

The updated layout reflects clarity, connection, and warmth. Smooth Blackbutt wood floors flow through all interior spaces, adding natural texture and durability to the project.

The open-plan living, kitchen, and dining area is bathed in natural light thanks to continuous glazing on the north side, seamlessly connecting the interior with the surrounding yard, pool, and landscaped garden. The kitchen combines minimalist aesthetics with a sense of comfort — featuring ceiling lights, sleek joins, and sustainable finishes. Gas appliances were replaced with electric induction systems, and floor tiles certified 'from cradle to grave' were specified for both kitchen and bathroom, reinforcing the commitment to ecological responsibility.

The central staircase, framed by vertical wooden slats, creates a sculptural focal point, enhancing spatial connectivity and ventilation. Above it, skylights and hatches diffuse soft daylight, enriching the sense of openness and calm within the home.

Material Palette and Emotional Warmth

Inspired by pink, green, and brown tones of nearby paper trees, interior colors are modest yet expressive. Natural wood, soft neutral hues, and light surfaces work together to create a sense of tranquility — a thematic continuity that spans from public areas to the private upper levels.

In the upstairs bedroom, study, and second living area, this aesthetic continues to create cozy and airy spaces for rest and reflection. The material choices not only enhance soundproofing and thermal performance but also bestow the house with a deep sense of peace, reflecting Still Space Architecture’s philosophy: design as a balance between nature, craftsmanship, and wellbeing.

A Harmonious, Reimagined Home

What was once an ineffective beach house is now a quiet, efficient, and emotionally meaningful home. The renovation redefines architecture and family life, enabling a connection — with others, nature, and place.

Owners describe this transformation as “life-changing,” noting how light, views, and tranquility gave their home new meaning. The Bronte Reframe House stands as a model of sustainable suburban renewal, showing how thoughtful design can turn an old structure into a future-forward sanctuary.

The Bronte Reframe House embodies the evolving language of sustainable coastal architecture. Through innovative material use, passive design strategies, and emotional warmth, Still Space Architecture redefines what it means to live well in the context of an Australian beach coastline.

This project is simultaneously a technical achievement and poetic rebirth — a home that reconnects architecture with comfort, family, and the rhythm of nature.