Onda by State of Kin: A Sculptural Transformation of a Perth Bungalow

Category: Residential Design

In a quiet riverside suburb of Perth, Australia, a once-dilapidated bungalow has been radically reinvented by the multidisciplinary studio State of Kin. Named Onda—Italian for “wave”—the project exemplifies a new frontier in residential design, one where adaptive re-use, sculptural form, and sensitive material layering converge to offer a deeply contemporary living experience. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it underscores how respectful architectural renovation can yield spatial generosity, technical refinement, and enduring beauty within the constraints of existing suburban fabric.

Historical Context and Project Background

The architectural roots of Onda lie in the humble bungalow—a domestic typology that gained popularity in Australia and North America in the early 20th century. Characterized by single-storey planning, expansive verandahs, and simple construction techniques, bungalows became a suburban staple thanks to their affordability and adaptability.

However, like many aging homes of this vintage, the original structure had become spatially inefficient and outdated. Boxy room configurations, aging finishes, and an inward-facing layout made the home increasingly out of sync with contemporary family life. State of Kin’s challenge was to reprogram the internal environment—using the existing shell as a sustainable base—while dramatically enhancing how the house was experienced, both visually and functionally.

Design Principles

Adaptive Re-use and Site Sensitivity

One of the defining principles of Onda is its deliberate retention of the original architectural shell. This move aligns with broader trends in contemporary architecture, particularly sustainable design and adaptive re-use. By maintaining the structure’s footprint and preserving the existing walls, the project minimizes embodied energy while respecting both local heritage and planning restrictions often found in established neighborhoods.

Sculptural Geometry Over Rectilinear Conventions

At the heart of Onda‘s allure is a sweeping architectural gesture: the reworking of conventional rectilinear geometries into fluid, organic forms. Traditional corridors and boxed-in rooms give way to open, layered spaces defined by gently curving walls and expansive surface transitions. These interventions not only optimize circulation and sightlines but create an immersive spatial logic that is noticeably unorthodox in suburban renovation models.

Balancing Openness and Privacy

Thoughtful window placement and spatial orientation allow the home to embrace its elevated views of the city while shielding intimate family zones from public exposure. This reflects a design philosophy that appreciates the dual roles of architectural transparency: connection and concealment. The house achieves this through strategically recessed apertures and visual layering, offering panoramic outlooks without compromising privacy.

Materiality and Technique

Tactile and Local Material Palette

The material selection in Onda is both site-responsive and sensorially rich. Limestone, timber, and natural stone form a palette that blends local vernacular with modernist restraint. These materials are chosen not only for their aesthetic cohesion, but also for their thermal performance, longevity, and textural depth. The limestone adds thermal mass—regulating interior temperatures—while timber softens the visual language and introduces warmth into the curvilinear interiors.

Advanced Construction and Craftsmanship

Implementing Onda’s design vision required an elevated level of technical execution. Large-radius curves and flowing surfaces demanded complex carpentry and precise finishing. This includes bespoke joinery fitted to flowing walls, recessed strip lighting integrated into curved ceiling profiles, and seamless surface transitions across material planes. Special attention was paid to layering and articulation—enhancing the way light and shadow activate surfaces throughout the day.

Minimized Demolition

The design worked within the conserved footprint, significantly minimizing demolition. By repurposing existing structural elements and rebuilding within them, State of Kin reduced waste and the need for new materials—furthering the commitment to sustainable building practices apparent throughout the project.

Spatial Organization and Interior Experience

Revised Circulation and Open Planning

Through intelligent reconfiguration, previously closed-off rooms are unified into interconnected spaces. Redundant hallways were eliminated, and walls realigned or curved to promote intuitive movement and sightlines. The new layout underscores spatial flow—echoing modern Scandinavian principles of openness and minimalism while maintaining distinct zones for function (sleeping, cooking, entertaining).

Serenity Through Tactility

The tone throughout Onda is one of calm and cohesion. Soft finishes, from natural lime plaster to tactile timbers, offer a sensorial richness that envelops the inhabitants. Borrowing from Mediterranean, Japanese, and Nordic traditions, this tactile emphasis turns the renovated house into a restorative haven rather than a showroom. The sculptural walls do not only serve visual purposes—they subtly guide users, buffer acoustics, and mediate changing daylight across the day.

International Context and Comparisons

To place Onda within a global context, we can examine similar trends in Europe and North America:

Technical Specifications

• Thermal Performance: Improved thermal inertia through limestone and upgraded insulation—vital in Perth’s hot-summer, mild-winter climate.
• Natural Ventilation: Curved walls enhance cross-ventilation; high clerestory windows evacuate warm air naturally.
• Bespoke Carpentry: Integrated curved shelving, tight-radius joinery, and coved lighting demanded digital modeling and skilled execution on-site.

Educational Takeaways

For architects, builders, and homeowners, Onda presents a valuable case study in sculptural yet sustainable residential transformation. Key lessons include:

• Retain and Reimagine: Existing homes have untapped potential. By conserving the shell and reworking the layout, one can achieve radically new outcomes within material and budgetary economies.
• Integrate Curves Thoughtfully: Organic forms can soften spatial transitions and enhance user experience—but require early-stage planning and contractor collaboration.
• Material Intelligence Matters: Locally sourced, durable, and tactile materials uplift not only sustainability goals but also the sensory appeal of everyday domestic life.
• From Function to Feeling: Contemporary residential designs should serve emotional as well as pragmatic needs. Tranquility, flow, and intimacy are just as important as storage or efficiency.

Onda confirms that great design is not about sheer scale or extravagance—it is about intelligence, care, and clarity. By weaving site, form, and material into a cohesive narrative, State of Kin has created a home that feels as much like a sculpture as it does a residence—rooted in heritage but designed for the future.

Sources:

• The Local Project – Onda by State of Kin
• Australian Institute of Architects – Onda Project Award Listing
• State of Kin – Onda Project Page
• Australian Interior Design Awards