Volumes of matter and light

Space, light and order are the three key characteristics of this residence in Bondi Beach, a sweeping stretch of sand located 10 kilometres east of central Sydney and an emblem of Australia’s beach culture.

Architect Justin Quinlan drew inspiration from the philosophy of Le Corbusier, embracing his vision of the home as a machine à habiter – a synthesis of aesthetics, design and technology imbued with sustainability, a concept more relevant than ever today. The “Five Points of a New Architecture” set out by Le Corbusier (pilotis, open-plan design, free design of the façade, horizontal windows and roof garden) find their fullest expression in this project, reinterpreted through advanced technologies and energy-efficient systems. The house is equipped with state-of-the-art automation features connected to portable devices for enhanced comfort, while the flat roof is fitted with solar panels that improve the building’s energy efficiency.

The architecture consists of three distinct volumes, with an open-plan layout inspired by the Modernism of 1950s Palm Springs. The interplay of transparency and opacity varies according to exposure to sunlight, function and the need for privacy. On the street-facing side, low-height ribbon windows and glazed sections are shielded by sunshades, particularly along the grand staircase that connects the floors. On the ground floor, the fully glazed living area opens directly onto a courtyard garden featuring a swimming pool, paved areas, a grassy section and a covered lounge space.

Casalgrande Padana’s Chalon natural stone effect porcelain stoneware collection was selected for the indoor and outdoor flooring. Large slabs extend dynamically through the various spaces and into the courtyard, ensuring visual, material and tactile continuity across the entire floor. Chosen in the colour Grey and the large sizes 60×60 cm and 60×120 cm, the surfaces complement the home’s clean, minimalist aesthetic and the soft, luminous tones of its furnishings, walls and curtains. Porcelain stoneware offers numerous advantages in a residential setting, including fire resistance, safety, stability and longevity. At the same time, its irregular veining and delicate tonal variations enhance both indoor and outdoor spaces, creating a pleasant tactile experience and an elegant, contemporary look.