Bellevue Hill House: unique materials for a design haven in Sydney

Situated in an exclusive Sydney enclave, Bellevue Hill House is a masterpiece by Walter Barda Design, led by architect Adrian Walter Ball, with interiors by Stanwix Studios under the direction of Kirsten Stanwix-Bookallil. This project, with its contemporary craftsmanship and neutral base, is a testament to the power of quality materials and a design that envisions life, allowing interior and exterior spaces to flow in perfect harmony.

One of the outstanding features of Barda House is the way the materials create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. According to architect Adrian Walter Ball, “the design of the tiles, which fold towards the pool area, creates a smooth transition that enhances the overall aesthetic”. This detail, far from being purely functional, is a statement of intent: seamless, uninterrupted spaces that enhance the aesthetics of a contemporary home.

From the pool to the floors and staircase, the choice of materials is not only about aesthetics, but also about performance and durability. “Using the same material for the indoor and outdoor flooring helps to blur the boundaries between spaces, creating a continuous flow that visually expands the area,” explains Ball.

The choice of tiles for the staircase, for example, was also driven by safety concerns: “The tiles on the staircase not only provided an elegant look, but also ensured safety through their non-slip properties. The consistent use of the tiles throughout the staircase integrated them seamlessly into the overall design”. Similarly, the wall cladding created a smooth dialogue: “For the walls, the tile cladding added texture and depth, complementing the wooden floor,” explains the architect.

For interior designer Kirsten Stanwix-Bookallil, this material continuity was key to enhancing the sense of spaciousness: “The client wanted as much garden as possible, so it was important that the interiors flowed effortlessly to create a sense of space. The use of the same tile throughout the house and pool area provides a smooth transition that is not consciously noticed, but is undeniably felt”.

A key moment in the design process was the choice of materials, where the use of large format panels allowed a clearer visualisation of the project. According to Ball, this practice is fundamental because “it provides a realistic view of how the materials will appear in the actual space, helping to make informed decisions about colour, texture and overall aesthetics”. It also allows critical factors such as durability and performance in demanding conditions, such as exposure to water and heavy foot traffic, to be assessed.

For the interior designer, the versatility of Cosentino’s materials played a crucial role in the final design: “When Adrian introduced me to the product, I really liked its versatility and the variety of colours and finishes”.

The love affair with Cosentino’s ultra-compact Dekton surface was immediate. According to Ball, “the durability of the material and its ability to retain its natural colour blend were key factors in the success of the design”. Its resistance to environmental conditions, both indoors and outdoors, ensures minimal maintenance and long-lasting aesthetics.

Stanwix-Bookallil highlights the versatility of the material in a variety of applications: “We have used it in showers, on floors and in the pool. It is incredibly versatile and offers practical, durable performance that we are very happy with”. Choosing a single material for multiple surfaces not only streamlined the design process, but also enhanced the sense of uniformity and elegance throughout the home.

It was also important to select materials that met safety and durability standards, especially for the pool. Ball emphasises, “Having access to research-backed information to support testing against Australian standards was critical to ensuring compliance and safety”. Every detail, from specific test procedures to certifications and approvals, was meticulously documented to ensure the project met the highest quality standards.

Barda House is the realisation of an architectural vision where design, functionality and quality are seamlessly intertwined. The careful selection of materials, the attention to detail and the pursuit of a timeless aesthetic make this project a benchmark in contemporary residential architecture, as is characteristic of the studio’s previous work.