A Knockout Brick Facade Shelters an Airy Home in Sydney

Brcar Morony Architecture deploys bespoke masonry to counter a noisy streetscape and privacy concerns.

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When the team at Brcar Morony Architecture began renovating a two-story family home in Sydney’s Neutral Bay suburb, they knew that reimagining the front facade would be a critical to the project’s success.

"The home is in a charmless, unwelcoming cul-de-sac consisting of 1970s apartment buildings and car parking podiums," explains architect Natalie Brcar. The nearby highway also introduced a challenge, as it’s a constant source of noise.

Photo by Justin Alexander

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Resembling the battlements of a medieval castle, the new facade is composed of recycled bricks—some of which were salvaged from the existing house. The rosy material infuses the design with warmth and texture while insulating the residents from the highway’s cacophony.

Photo by Justin Alexander

Deeply recessed windows provide privacy and shelter the interior from strong sunlight—as does a brick brise-soleil. A large skylight over the central staircase each brings natural light deep into the home.

Photo by Justin Alexander

At the front of the home, Brcar Morony Architecture introduced a new guest bedroom and bathroom to accommodate visiting relatives. These spaces, along with the laundry room, work with the thick brick facade to create an additional barrier against outside noise.

Photo by Justin Alexander

The back of the house holds a tranquil, open-plan living space with extensive glazing that provides views of Neutral Bay, Sydney Harbor, and the city skyline. The interior palette exudes a neutral warmth with oak flooring, white polyurethane joinery, and natural stone that complements the textured brickwork. Black aluminum window frames and light fixtures add a slight industrial edge to the home’s aesthetic.

Photo by Justin Alexander