• Residential Projects
  • Upcoming
  • About
  • News
  • Contact
NICK BELL ARCHITECTS
  • Residential Projects
  • Upcoming
  • About
  • News
  • Contact

Podium Home - New Project Build Bronte

Introducing Podium Home, our new hidden-gem project in Bronte.

What began as a patchwork of styles - with long-standing damp issues - has become the starting point for a complete transformation.

Set back from the street, the site calls for thoughtful problem-solving: maintaining privacy while preserving views, integrating the heritage cottage, navigating construction via a narrow driveway, and enhancing a constrained footprint.

Podium Home approaches these challenges with a bold yet sensitive design. Building on the existing ground-floor structure, we’re creating a two-storey family home that opens fully to light, air and sense of place.

Standout feature?

A dramatic folded vaulted ceiling inspired by the sculptural geometry of a giant sea shell.

Drawing from nature's architecture - the rippling folds will capture and amplify northern light with organic luminosity to create an inner glow throughout the space.

Light. Open. Distinctive.

The result will be a home that feels expansive, calm and uniquely crafted - a place for our clients to love.

In the meantime, with limited access up a tight driveway, every stage requires choreography. Let’s dance!

This is the second home our client has asked Nick Bell Architects to design - we are very grateful for the trust. And also thank you to our team:
Lead Architect - Poppi Denison 
Construction - PMD Build
Engineer - AD Consulting Engineers
And to Vic Au Yeung for capturing this exciting initial stage

Thursday 12.04.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Design FIT Health Clubs Chatswood Chase

We are stepping, flexing, lunging…………..into new territory. With more than 17 years designing residential architecture across Sydney, our studio has been appointed to create the flagship FIT Health Clubs - Chatswood Chase - a 3,300 square-metre fitness and wellness destination that reimagines what a modern health club can be.

This marks Nick Bell Architects first large-scale commercial project, bringing the same attention to detail, materials, and human-centered design that defines our residential work to a bold new setting.

A Vision for Holistic Wellness

FIT Health Clubs is owner-operated by a fitness professional with over 25 years of industry experience. The management team, together for more than a decade, understands what members truly need. Their brief was ambitious yet clear: create a world-class health club that feels more like a luxury wellness hotel than a traditional gym.

Spread across two floors, the new Chatswood facility will offer over 350 classes weekly across dedicated studios for HIIT, Cycle, Run Athletic, Reformer Pilates, Yoga, Barre, and Meditation, alongside open training zones for strength, cardio, and stretching.

Beyond Fitness: The Nurture Experience

What elevates this project apart is its commitment to recovery. The "Nurture" zone features traditional and infrared saunas, steam rooms, magnesium and ice plunge baths and massage suites - designed to support physical restoration and mental calm.

Residential Sensibility, Commercial Scale

Our approach brings warmth and tactile detail to every space. Natural timbers, soft lighting, and cool tones create individual studio identities within a cohesive whole. 

Construction is now underway at Chatswood Chase, with completion expected in 2026. This project sets a new benchmark and offers itself as an example of how commercial architecture can be as nurturing and refined as the homes we create.

Project Team

Architects - Nick Bell Architects
Project Lead - Martina De Nadai
Project Manager - Mostyn Copper
Construction - Taylor

3D Renders Enscape

Wednesday 11.26.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Progress Onsite Bronte

Bronte home in building progress shows heritage front facade.

Our current project in Bronte is a listed heritage item. As such the original frontage was to be retained. Behind this facade are three stories of modern addition. In order to achieve this our team had to meet the challenge of excavating a large basement in sandy soil, whilst propping and retaining the heritage walls above.

Looking through the inside front of the Bronte home. Building in progress.

Looking through the original frontage.

The connection from front to the new rear addition. Heritage meets contemporary design. Copper roofing nods to the terracotta tiling, while mortar extends to its new solid form in the concrete extension. Built to last.

The shell for the kitchen. A large frameless glass window will frame new lush landscaping.

Off form concrete creates a curved roof that doubles as a roof garden. We have used a washed cedar by Modinex to clad the ground floor ceiling that extends the indoor outdoor living area. Planting to cascade over the concrete and semi-circle column.

Stepping back to see the bigger picture. The ground floor is boarded – new Vitrocsa doors to be installed soon. Progress!

Big thanks to our team -

Construction: PMD Build
Engineer: Partridge
Concrete: Wardle Constuction

And thank you to Vic Au-Yeung for capturing the progress.

Location - Bronte | Bidiagal, Birrabirragal and Gadigal Land
Waverley Council

Thursday 10.30.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

The Local Project - Corbel House - September 2025

Photo: Justin Alexander

Thrilled to see our project “Corbel House” featured in The Local Project. “Corbel House” was designed for a lovely family of five who dreamed of a contemporary, light-filled home on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

With teenage and young adult children, our client wanted a home that would adapt as their family matured, while reflecting their deep love of design - particularly modernist architecture. Their waterfront block was magical but challenging: a narrow strip of land, steep slope, difficult site access, and strict council requirements.

As a Sydney architect used to working with complex sites, we turned to history for inspiration. Drawing on the mediaeval ‘corbel’ - a stepped form supporting weight - we designed a three-level, fully electric family home with a compact 75 sqm footprint that expands into 245 sqm of generous living space.

The corbel concept preserved the natural landscape while creating a bold architectural identity. Inside, bespoke elements - a curved steel staircase, concrete kitchen island, brass-detailed joinery, and floor to ceiling windows - bring everyday delight.

‘Corbel House’ shows how history and contemporary design can merge to create a sustainable, modern family home that feels both personal and enduring.

A wonderful article written by Brad Scahill for The Local Project using the photographs by Justin Alexander.

Big thank you to our team:
Builder: PMD Build
Concrete: Wardle Construction
Joiner: Interex Custom Joinery
Engineer: Partridge Engineers
Joiner Windows: Shamrock Joinery

Tuesday 09.09.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Occupation - Bondi - August 2025

Bondi House

Earlier this year we completed our latest Bondi project and we are thrilled that our lovely client has moved in to enjoy their stunning family home.

This bespoke design showcases materials that thrive in Sydney's demanding coastal environment. The carefully chosen timber cladding and robust concrete structure aren't just aesthetically striking - they're engineered for longevity against salt air and coastal weather.

As Sydney architects with a long track record of coastal residential design, we understand that beachside living requires thoughtful material selection and climate-responsive architecture. Every detail, from the timber screening to the structural elements, reflects our dedication to creating homes that age beautifully while withstanding Sydney's every-changing coastal conditions. Building and designing for resilience is key.

Thank you to our client for entrusting us with their dream home and a big thank you to our team for making it come to life.

Construction: PMD Build
Joinery: Interex Joinery
Electricals: Vesh
Concrete: Wardle
Structural Engineering: Partridge
Landscaping: Even Spaces

Lead Architect: Nick Bell
Project Architects: Caleb Burke and Martina de Nadai

Tuesday 08.26.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Construction Underway - Bronte - July 2025

Very excited to have started building on site with PMD Build for our wonderful client.

We had the pleasure of designing a modern extension on their previous home in Bronte - so it’s fabulous to be working with them again. This property is a unique location and we can’t wait to show you the progress.

Friday 07.25.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Copenhagen - 3daysofdesign - June 2025

Hello from Nordhavn, Copenhagen. It is one of the districts featured in the annual 3daysofdesign - where the city opens up to design lovers to experience innovations from furniture to fittings and beyond. It was awesome! Design is valued in Copenhagen - you can see and feel it everywhere.

Nordhavn is an interesting new development - declared the model for the ‘five-minute city.’ It has put community and people at the heart of its urban planning - everything must be in walking distance. It blends old and new, industrial and residential - there are plenty of outdoor areas and sustainable and social living is at its core. They have also cleaned up the harbour so residents can swim….sauna….swim.

It was a pleasure to walk around the streets and a joy to visit the offices of BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group.

Tuesday 06.24.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Construction Update - Bronte - May 2025

Digging deep on our Bronte project. Heritage elements are retained while maximising space by creating a new basement level - with PMD Build.

Thursday 05.15.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Photography - Clovelly Bungalow - April 2025

A very big thank you to our wonderful client for allowing us to come and play in her new home. We had a lot of fun putting the shots together and our gratitude to Justin Alexander for capturing the architecture and design details in his photography.

Thanks also to the following lovely businesses and suppliers who helped us:

Lighting | Euroluce

Art | Curatorial and Co

Linen | Cultiver + Co

Dive into the photos of Clovelly Bungalow here.

Discovered on Co-Architecture.

Tuesday 04.22.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Design Development - Longueville - March 2025

Maximising your land space with long term thinking is smart. We have designed this addition to a heritage home in Longueville. Our lovely client wants to create a generous self-contained space to be enjoyed by family and friends. It needs to blend with the surroundings and also meet our client’s love of contemporary design. Sketchup and Enscape - 3D modelling make the design come to life.

Wednesday 03.26.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Construction Update - Bondi - February 2025

Although this image of the rear facade may not look it, we are getting very close to completing our project in Bondi.

A new build, this contemporary home will be loving hub for a young and active family - just moments from the vibrancy of Bondi Beach.

Big thanks to PMD Build, our construction partners on this project - you’ve done a wonderful job!

Thursday 02.20.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Occupation - Clovelly Bungalow - January 2025

A very big thank you to our lovely client for giving us the opportunity to work with her on the creation of “Clovelly Bungalow”.

We love the distinctive frontage that pays homage to the California Bungalow, a style of architecture established from the 1920s in Sydney’s Eastern beach suburbs. Using concrete and timber cladding, the home ready to weather the salt and sea environment.

A big thank you to our team and all the suppliers we worked with on this project. Will be publishing the images on the Projects page soon, but in the meantime enjoy this photo by Justin Alexander.

Architect Project Team
Poppi Denison and Nick Bell

Construction | PMD Build
Concrete | Wardle Construction
Windows + Doors | Shamrock
Joinery | Interex
Abodo Timber Cladding
Lighting | Euroluce
Flooring | Eco Outdoor


Tuesday 01.21.25
Posted by Nick Bell
 

We have a new home - December 2024

We’ve skipped over to Redfern and have landed in a gorgeous new office! Soaring ceilings, original detailing of 1930s Inter-war Georgian architecture and surrounded by coffee, art and design - happy days! Needless to say, our team has settled in quickly and we look forward to welcoming you.

There is street parking and there is also free parking at Surry Hills Village which a quick 5 minute walk.

Nick Bell Architects
12/17 Thurlow Street, Redfern
Our phone number remains the same 02. 9699 3572

Monday 12.16.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Photography - Corbel House - November 2024

Corbel House, with its waterfront position and unique medieval features was a delight to photograph. Justin Alexander did a wonderful job at capturing the detail and the space. A very big thank you to our clients for letting us come in and play. You can see all of the images in our Projects portfolio.

Wednesday 11.06.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Construction Underway - Bronte - October 2024

We have broken ground on our new project in Bronte! With heritage frontage existing, we are working on a new contemporary space in the back for our family to live and grow. Phil from PMD Build managing the construction - let’s do this!

Monday 10.07.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Design Development - Bronte - September 2024

The big reveal! Excited to be showing our client the design development for their new home. Located in Bronte, the home is set back from the street, it’s quiet and calm. This is the first floor and has a bit of a pavilion feel - the architecture is all about opening up and inviting in the light and breeze while maximising opportunities for outdoor living.

Using Sketchup and Enscape for our 3D modelling is a wonderful way to not only show our client’s how a design will look, but when you pop on the virtual reality headset - you are transported into how the design and home will feel. Happy days!

Friday 09.20.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Site Visit - Suffolk Park, NSW - August 2024

With the DA approved we are all systems go to start construction on our client’s coastal home in Suffolk Park. Such a gorgeous part of the world! And wonderful to be able to visit. Looking forward to showing the progress soon.

Tuesday 08.27.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Design Development - Darlinghurst - July 2024

Creating space and inviting the light - two areas of focus for our new inner city project in Sydney’s bustling Darlinghurst. This two bedroom home, in its original state was dark and divided - typical of terraces from this era. This design development image captures our intent - to open up the house, create areas to gather in and out - and enjoy the light and let the air flow in!

Tuesday 07.09.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 

Construction Update - Clovelly -June 2024

Our client’s home is coming together - we love this stage of a project. The front facade shows varying materials - off-form concrete, brick and timber - ideal for its coastal position.

The build is going well and we look forward to showing you the completed home in the next few months - onward and upward!

Thank you for the photos Josh - you are a multi-talent indeed!

Tuesday 06.11.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 

DA Approved - Mosman - May 2024

We always let out a big cheer when one of our designs gets its DA from council - it’s a significant milestone in the process of building a home and must be celebrated! We are thrilled for our lovely client - Mosman Council has approved their new home - it is on a corner position in a heritage area - so there were a few considerations to be made.

Onward and upward!

Wednesday 05.01.24
Posted by Nick Bell
 
Newer / Older

INSTAGRAM   PINTEREST