This 1930s bungalow was reimagined as a classic contemporary residence through a significant transformation. The existing front façade was carefully refurbished to retain its charm, while the entire rear of the home was demolished and rebuilt to create expansive, light-filled living spaces that connect effortlessly to outdoor entertaining areas.
The new rear addition accommodates a kitchen, meals area, family room, kids’ games room, laundry, and bathrooms. Using the site’s natural topography, the family room was lowered three steps from the kitchen and meals space. This subtle split-level design enhanced the sense of scale and created a direct, fluid connection to the deck and pool. Highlight windows and large sliding glass doors amplified the drama, flooding the interiors with light and framing views of the landscaped outdoor zones.
To further enhance the interiors, a five-metre linear skylight was introduced along the southern edge of the kitchen and meals area, creating a striking wash of natural light deep into the home’s heart. The result is a sophisticated blend of classic character and modern living.
The Northbridge Woonoona project is now an uninterrupted integration of indoor and outdoor living, ideally suited to family life and entertaining. Contemporary styling, bold glazing, and clever spatial planning have combined to create a home that feels elegant and deeply practical.
The project’s success also lies in the collaborative process between the clients and Playoust Churcher Architects, ensuring that the finished home aligned with the family’s lifestyle and vision.
As the clients shared:
“Playoust Churcher Architects achieved our goals, and the end product was a fantastic likeness to our original vision. We found their work to be of a very high standard, detailed and thorough, plus they were a great group to work with as a team.”
The result is a home that embodies seamless sophistication, where timeless design meets modern family living.

Ku-ring-gai is one of Sydney’s most prestigious municipalities. Playoust Churcher Architects provide expert guidance to ensure you realise your property’s and project’s value.
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North Sydney’s Council regulations for residential renovations can be complex. Playoust Churcher Architects understands the nuances and offers expert and experienced advice.
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Lane Cove Council prioritises sustainability and bushland preservation, often requiring careful environmental considerations.
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Hunters Hill, one of Sydney’s oldest municipalities, has strict heritage conservation rules, making renovations in the area particularly intricate.
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While progressive in its approach to modern development, Willoughby Council enforces stringent height, bulk, and character controls to maintain the area’s aesthetic integrity.
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“We are so happy we used Playoust Churcher Architects for a major renovation of our Lower North Shore home. This complex architectural job combined advanced engineering, design and innovation and a creative approach to modern living. Playoust Churcher supported us from conception to completion – and well beyond.
They understood our lifestyle and desire for a collaborative approach and delivered us a dream home with which it would be hard to be happier. We’re delighted to recommend Playoust Churcher to anyone building or renovating a prestige home in Sydney.”
Justin & Marek
“We provided a very detailed brief on the design and the requirements both in terms of how it would support our family as it grew over time in addition to the design features that were important to us. We were thrilled with the concept and design they delivered. It ticked all the boxes.
We felt very confident the team understood our brief in terms of the design and how we hoped to live. They also showed an understanding of the financial requirements and cost issues that are really important whenever you undertake any renovation project.”
Nadia & Jamieson
“Playoust Churcher Architects had an inherent understanding of the brief, and the design created a classic Roseville family home with wonderful proportions, depth and detail.
It’s now recognised as a stand-out in the area – people slow down and stare as they drive past.”
Kate & Scott
“When Brett and John came they just listened. John is so talented that we just trust him. I told John what I wanted our home to look like and to go for it. John can draw the designs upside down all by hand and you know exactly what he is doing. He is really talented and that was very obvious from the beginning. He is so passionate about what he does.
They were respectful of costs and just listened to what we wanted. There is a lot to say for architects that listen. The house works perfectly with our needs – there is a flow that works beautifully.”
LisaThe brief was to craft a sophisticated, light-filled home that harmonises with its elevated bushland setting. We focused on open-plan living spaces, strong indoor-outdoor connectivity, and materials that reflect the natural surroundings.
Northbridge falls under Ku-ring‑gai Council, with heritage overlays, bushland and slope controls. These regulations influence the home’s footprint, form and materials. Our team delivers designs that meet planning constraints while retaining architectural integrity.
The design employs split-level planning and layered terraces to respond to gradients. This approach provides daylight, privacy, and connection to landscape while minimising earthworks and site disturbance.
Absolutely. The principles used—light, privacy, site sensitivity and bushland character—are applicable to neighbouring suburbs such as Roseville, Turramurra and Wahroonga.
Yes. Whether you’re planning a custom new home, renovation or family redesign in Northbridge, we offer full architectural services from site assessment and concept design through to approvals and delivery.
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We live and work on the lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. We acknowledge their traditional custodianship of the land and pay respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.