Acknowledgement of Country

Adriano Pupilli Architects respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work; the Gayamaygal people and Yuin people. We pay our respects to elders past, present and emerging. This is, was and always will be Aboriginal land.

Bondi Youth Accommodation Office

A calm space for critical work

Community, Workplace

Bondi Youth Accommodation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing crisis housing for local youth. They came to us with a modest budget and a challenging brief: the transformation of a neglected double garage in Bondi into a functional office space for their administrative staff.
Location
Bidjigal Country / Bondi, NSW
Client
Bondi Youth Accommodation (BYA)
Year
2013
Status
Complete
Builder
SR Construction Pty Ltd
Photography
Simon Whitbread

Situated on an exposed corner site, the existing garage was in poor condition, leaking and in need of significant attention to become a viable workspace. Our approach remedies these immediate concerns while also prioritising integration with the existing environment. Retaining the original brick boundary walls allowed the new office to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, minimising the visual impact on neighbouring properties. The design opened the space to the north, creating a light-filled and tranquil environment—an essential feature for a workspace where staff are engaged in high-stress, critical work.

To address concerns about overshadowing and overlooking from neighbouring properties, the design incorporated a low skillion roof that gently rises towards the street. This feature not only addressed community concerns but also added a subtle architectural character to the building, ensuring it remains understated and respectful of its context.

The result is a small but efficient addition that significantly enhances the organization’s capacity to deliver its services. The new office space is functional and unobtrusive, designed to support the vital work of Bondi Youth Accommodation in a way that is both practical and sensitive to the needs of the surrounding community.

The design opened the space to the north, creating a light-filled and tranquil environment—an essential feature for a workspace where staff are engaged in high-stress, critical work.

"Adriano did a great job for us in redesigning our dilapidated garage into badly needed office space for our homeless youth service in Bondi Junction. Utilitising natural light, he's a designed a functional but appealing space for us at a very affordable price, always a big concern in Community Services. We can't wait to get to work in our new office!"
Bec, CEO, Bondi Youth Accommodation