Bellevue Hill

Bellevue Hill is a sophisticated expansion of a heritage-listed Arts and Crafts home, masterfully orchestrated by Tribe Studio Architects. The design celebrates the original architectural intent while infusing modern principles to meet the demands of contemporary living. By embracing the ethos of Arts and Crafts, Tribe honours the home’s existing character while thoughtfully pushing boundaries in design, material selection, and spatial configuration.

Tribe’s approach emphasises the integration of community-focused design, craftsmanship, and the home’s natural surroundings. Set in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Bellevue Hill reflects a deep sensitivity to both colonial and Indigenous histories while creating an architectural dialogue that extends into the landscape. This interaction between the built form and nature reinforces the design’s commitment to preserving the home’s heritage while introducing new layers of functionality.

Traditionally, Arts and Crafts homes are introspective, focusing more on interior space and privacy than interaction with their gardens. Tribe Studio’s intervention sought to break away from this convention. By opening up the original "sleep out" verandah to a newly designed terrace, the home now fosters a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The new sandstone base, which houses additional rooms, and the expansive garden terrace invite the natural landscape into the daily life of the house, further blurring the boundaries between architecture and environment.

By reinterpreting heritage elements with contemporary materials and design, Tribe Studio Architects bridges the past and future, creating a home that respects its history while embracing modern functionality.

The steep, gabled roof—an essential feature of the original home—was thoughtfully extended to accommodate a new master bedroom on the upper level, while the ground floor was reconfigured to flow into open-plan living areas. The resulting layout promotes fluidity between spaces, encouraging both intimate family moments and larger social gatherings.

The design team introduced a rich palette of materials, including terracotta, roughcast render, brick, and stone, to maintain the original textural language of the home. Key architectural features, such as timber shingles, expressive purlin details, and original eaves soffits, were painstakingly documented and restored to preserve the home’s integrity. Tribe’s approach to restoration demonstrates a deep respect for the craftsmanship of the past while making subtle yet effective interventions that enhance modern living.

A key design decision was the roof’s restoration, which departed from the original oak shingles. To balance historical integrity with modern performance requirements, Tribe chose Terracotta Roof Tiles in Planum Roja. The material's durability and thermal performance made it an ideal substitute for the original shingles, ensuring longevity while subtly complementing the original architecture. The contemporary detailing of the open ventilated edge underlines the modernity of the intervention, while the color palette reflects the rich tradition of the home’s heritage.

This thoughtful material selection not only serves practical needs but also contributes to the overall architectural dialogue between old and new. Tribe’s ability to blend modern architectural innovation with historical elements underscores their commitment to crafting homes that are both timeless and forward-looking.

Due to cost, durability, and thermal mass concerns, Tribe opted against reinstating the original oak shingle roof. Instead, they installed Terracotta Roof Tiles in colour Planum Roja that reference the original shingles while continuing the house's story. The detailing is contemporary, featuring an open ventilated edge to highlight their newness within the heritage context.