Waterfront dual occupancy home in Gunnamatta Bay Cronulla

Gunnamatta

A home shaped by coastal context and natural materiality

Project overview

Architect Ironbark Architecture
Location Cronulla, Sydney, Australia
Type Residential
Scope Renovation & dual occupancy
Completed 2023
Builder Tass Construction Group
Photography Tass Construction Group

A waterfront transformation

On a 1000m² block along the stunning waterfront of Gunnamatta Bay, this outstanding Cronulla renovation project saw the existing heritage home reborn as two separate dwellings for one family, successfully integrated contemporary with traditional while beautifully preserving the character of the original structure.

The result is two distinct luxury residences that each make the most of the gorgeous coastal ambiance and allow the family to live closely whilst also offering individual privacy.

Designing for views and balance

The project called for an aesthetic that would resonate with the home’s coastal location and required that the spaces be divided so that each home equally shared the  breath-taking 180 degree water views.

This required some creative design which reflects in one of the kitchens which has been beautifully integrated into the natural curves of the original home’s structure in a striking half circle design.

Living well, together and apart

Each of the gorgeous homes contain three spacious bedrooms and bathrooms that offer luxurious bathing spaces with modern fixtures and finishes.

The outdoor areas are designed to take full advantage of the water views.

  • Dwelling A has two separate courtyards, while

  • Dwelling B enjoys the luxury of four balconies.

Both properties share access to a communal pool, a pool house, and use of the wharf, enhancing the coastal lifestyle experience.

Craft, character and coastal living

This outstanding dual-dwelling design not only meets the client’s desire for togetherness and privacy but does so with a level of craftsmanship that elevates the entire living experience.

After Before
    • Transformation of an existing heritage home into two separate dwellings

    • Integration of contemporary design with the original traditional structure

    • Layout designed to allow both dwellings to equally share 180 degree water views

    • Kitchen integrated into the natural curves of the original structure in a half circle design

    • Three bedrooms and bathrooms in each dwelling

    • Outdoor spaces designed to maximise waterfront views

    • Dwelling A includes two separate courtyards

    • Dwelling B includes four balconies

    • Shared access to a communal pool, pool house and wharf

    • Spatial planning to balance shared views between two dwellings

    • Adaptive reuse of the existing heritage structure

    • Design response to waterfront context and coastal conditions

    • Integration of new elements within the constraints of the original building form

  • Architect Ironbark Architecture

    Lead architect Chris Freeburn

    Builder Tass Construction Group

    Photography Tass Construction Group

    • Featured in Custom Homes Magazine

    • NSW MBA Winner (2024) — Townhouses or Villa/Dual Occupancy

    • NSW HIA Finalist (2024) — Townhouse/Villa Development of the Year

    • NSW HIA Finalist (2024) — Townhouse/Villa of the Year

    • NSW HIA Finalist (2024) — Renovated Kitchen

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Tell us about it or give Chris a call on 0416 130 246