Project Overview
Located in the coastal suburb of Bronte, this alterations and additions project by DMR Designs reimagines an existing dwelling into a more refined, functional, and lifestyle-focused family home.
The vision was to enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor living while improving functionality, natural light, and the overall street presence — all within the constraints of an established residential site. The result is a contemporary coastal home that balances practicality with relaxed resort-style living.
Project Snapshot
Project Type: Alterations & Additions
Location: Bronte
Site Area: 448.9m²
Approval Pathway: CDC Approved
Scope Includes:
Exterior upgrades
Landscape improvements
New driveway and pathways
Pool integration
Outdoor entertaining spaces
Site planning and compliance coordination
The Brief
The clients wanted to modernise their existing home while making better use of the outdoor areas for entertaining and family living. The brief focused on creating a stronger indoor–outdoor connection, improving circulation through the site, and introducing a cleaner, more contemporary architectural language without losing the home’s warmth and character.
The design also needed to respond carefully to neighbouring properties, site setbacks, privacy considerations, and the coastal environment.
Site & Environmental Response
The site analysis identified opportunities to maximise natural light, prevailing breezes, and outdoor usability while minimising privacy impacts and responding to surrounding residential conditions.
DMR Designs carefully considered:
Existing setbacks and neighbouring dwellings
Solar orientation and seasonal sunlight
Coastal ventilation and airflow
Privacy screening opportunities
Landscape integration and outdoor functionality
This informed a layout that feels open, connected, and highly liveable throughout the year.
Design Strategy
Rather than dramatically increasing the building footprint, the design focused on improving the way the home functions and feels. Thoughtful site planning, upgraded outdoor spaces, and refined architectural detailing transformed the property into a more cohesive and lifestyle-oriented home.
Key moves included:
Reworking circulation and entry experience
Enhancing the rear outdoor entertaining zone
Introducing a new pool and landscaped setting
Creating stronger visual and physical connections between interior and exterior spaces
Improving material consistency and architectural presentation
The result is a home that feels larger, lighter, and more connected without unnecessary overbuilding.
Outdoor Living & Landscape Integration
A major focus of the project was the transformation of the rear yard into a resort-inspired outdoor retreat.
The proposed design incorporates:
An 8m x 3.3m swimming pool
Open tiled entertaining areas
Integrated landscaping and planting zones
New retaining walls and pathways
Glass pool fencing for uninterrupted sightlines
Seating areas and soft landscaping to enhance usability and privacy
Together, these elements create a seamless extension of the home and encourage year-round outdoor living.
Sustainability & Compliance
The project was designed in line with BASIX sustainability requirements and CDC planning controls. Sustainability considerations included:
Improved thermal performance
Double-glazed skylights
Insulated walls and ceilings
Efficient lighting and ventilation strategies
Water-saving fixtures
Landscape integration and stormwater management
The design successfully balanced compliance requirements with architectural outcomes, ensuring a streamlined approval pathway while maintaining the project vision.
Outcome
This Bronte residence demonstrates how thoughtful alterations and additions can completely transform the experience of an existing home. Through strategic planning, refined detailing, and strong indoor–outdoor integration, DMR Designs delivered a contemporary coastal residence tailored for modern family living.
The final outcome enhances functionality, lifestyle, and long-term liveability while maintaining harmony with the surrounding streetscape and coastal character.
Thinking About Renovating or Extending Your Home?
Whether you’re planning a contemporary renovation, outdoor entertaining upgrade, or a full alterations and additions project, DMR Designs can guide you from concept through approvals and construction documentation.
Enquire today to start your custom home transformation.