Nu Infinity Create a Home that Feels Both Inviting and Grounded

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a grounded penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, Nu Infinity.

Turning every nook of one's home into a relatable and personal space makes it unique to this client's brief. Located in a prime spot overlooking Bondi Beach, it was imperative that all the important areas face outward and maximizes the view all day long - the TV hung from above, the sauna, the gym, the work desk, the living and dining areas; even the kitchen has unobstructed views. Nu Infinity's design philosophies and this year's design direction are aptly introduced but the most important part was the study and understand of our client with different lifestyle at a very unique location.

What was the client's brief?

The brief was simple, yet it demanded thoughtful consideration. Our client entrusted us with the design of a penthouse perched above the iconic Iceberg’s Cafe at Bondi Beach, Sydney. A residence in such a prestigious location called for unobstructed views of the coastline. With wellness at the heart of his lifestyle, the brief centred on maximizing the layout to embrace Bondi’s sweeping horizon while seamlessly supporting his daily rituals.

What inspired the design of the project?

The clients themselves were an inspiring duo. One, an Asian-born Australian, the other from South Africa, both sharing a profound appreciation for solid wood. Surrounded by sweeping views of the ocean, we envisioned a design that embraced natural timber as its foundation. This interplay between the vastness of the sea and the warmth of wood brought a sense of intimacy, creating a home that feels both inviting and grounded.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

Convincing the client of two key ideas became our greatest challenge.

The first was rethinking the master bedroom. While the client wished to maximize the panoramic views of Bondi Beach, we proposed relocating the bedroom to the rear. This allowed us to design a custom sauna at the front, one that opens directly to the ocean views through the spacious gym, offering a serene wellness experience. Our reasoning was simple: at night, the bedroom view fades into darkness, but by shifting the private spaces inward, the open plan living, dining, gym, sauna, and even the workspace could enjoy the breathtaking scenery throughout the day.

The second challenge was the television. We resisted the idea of a conventional TV wall, which would have disrupted the openness of the floor plan. At the same time, we knew a small screen would never do justice to the space. Our solution was to propose a retractable 120-inch screen—an ambitious idea that initially seemed unfeasible due to its weight. Fortunately, we sourced a customized, whisper-quiet retractable system from South Africa. When closed, the screen disappears seamlessly into the ceiling, leaving the horizon uninterrupted. This became one of the client’s favourite features, balancing technology with the purity of the view.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

We crafted a home that flows seamlessly around our clients’ daily rituals, achieved through a thoughtful choreography of space planning. By reorienting the bedrooms toward the rear, we created a private sanctuary, while the front of the residence was left fully open to the sweeping views, yet adaptable, with sliding glass partitions providing separation when needed.

Designing a penthouse with a sauna and open living overlooking the iconic Bondi Beach is a rare opportunity, and this feature became a defining statement of the project. Most importantly, the design never asked our clients to adapt to their home but instead, the home was meticulously choreographed to adapt to their lifestyle.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

To be honest, winning the SBID Awards would be an accomplishment not just for us but a focal achievement for our team.

We have participated in multiple international and local awards and every time we win them, we bring back joy and motivation that drives our team to a new level. From one project to another, from one year after another, we unlock not just new projects but also unlock new strengths and talent.

Being part of the SBID Awards is like being part of a gathering among passionate creative minds that is not present to compete, but present to share, to reflect, to realise and for us, mainly to discover and grow. And that is why we have been submitting every year.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

For over 16 years, we have pioneered our design practice, working with clients from diverse backgrounds across the globe. To us, design has never been just about aesthetics, it is about curating experiences that resonate on a deeper, more human level.

Placing our work on the international stage allows us to measure ourselves not only against global standards, but also against our own potential for growth. To be recognised by the SBID Awards, whether as a winner or a finalist, would mark more than an accolade, it would affirm that our journey is on the right path. Most importantly, it would inspire our team to push boundaries with even greater passion, constantly striving toward new heights.

Questions answered by Alex Lee & Nick Fong, Founders of Nu Infinity.

A home is more than just a physical structure; it is a living sanctuary that evolves alongside its residents' ever-changing lifestyles. Recognising this profound truth, the perceptive owners of a plot of land in Kuala Lumpur embarked on a quest to create a haven that would adapt to their evolving needs and desires. Retired and in their 50s, they turned to Nu Infinity with a clear vision: to construct a communal block adjacent to their existing home, seamlessly integrating the old and the new.

With the future in mind, the owners sought a personalised touch that would set their new space apart from their current abode. They desired a slightly smaller area, meticulously tailored to their lifestyle and preferences. The architectural plan encompassed a secondary kitchen and a spacious study area on the upper floor, with the potential to transform into a luxurious bedroom complete with an attached bathroom, ample wardrobe space, and a convenient makeup table. Entrusting their dreams to Nu Infinity, they embarked on an extraordinary collaboration.

As avid art collectors with refined taste, the owners prioritised an environment that exuded sophistication and individuality. They envisioned a space that would not conform to generic standards but would instead showcase their cherished art collection while maintaining a harmonious and tasteful ambiance. A particularly striking element in their brief was the request for a signature staircase that would gracefully complement the breathtaking full-height glass window, providing an unobstructed view of the mesmerising surroundings.

Impressed by Nu Infinity's portfolio, the couple's daughter warmly recommended their services and graciously introduced them to her parents. The designers at Nu Infinity were captivated by the project's potential, as the owners welcomed new ideas and gave them creative freedom to interpret and advise on the best solutions to bring their practical requirements to life. Stepping onto the construction site, still in its skeletal form, the designers envisioned transformative changes that would not only meet but surpass the clients' expectations, adding immense value to their home. The element of surprise became a vital component in delivering an exceptional outcome.

Initially destined for the current kitchen area, the dining table took on a bold new position overlooking a tranquil swimming pool, framed by generous folding door openings. To establish a seamless flow between the living and dining areas, the kitchen was relocated to the center of the communal block. While serving its primary function as a kitchen, the space transcended mere practicality. The designers crafted the upper part to feature a captivating preserved moss aquarium, a testament to the harmonious fusion of nature and design.

Creating a serene retreat that catered to the needs of a retired couple while seamlessly integrating with the existing house posed an exhilarating challenge. The concept of interchangeable spaces, guided by the designers' vision of a functional and progressive home, presented an enticing opportunity for innovation. Adjacent to the kitchen, an area was thoughtfully planned to be sealed off and transformed into a dedicated wet kitchen in the future, ensuring optimal functionality. Every inch of space was meticulously crafted to ensure optimal proportions and a well-defined hierarchy of usage, guaranteeing a harmonious flow throughout the home.

At Nu Infinity, leaving a lasting impression lies at the heart of their design approach. They take immense pride in their unconventional use of elements, such as preserved moss, which introduces a touch of nature and texture to this project. The seamless integration of different materials, including the striking high-ceiling wall, the warm wood veneer, and the sleek marble, embodies the core essence of their design philosophy.

Thrilled with the remarkable transformation, the clients eagerly anticipate growing old in their newly re-imagined space. In this inspiring case study, Nu Infinity successfully transcended the boundaries of architecture and design, crafting a home that not only meets the evolving needs of its inhabitants but also stands as a testament to the art of adaptability. As the homeowners' lifestyles change with each passing year, their sanctuary will evolve in harmony, becoming a true reflection of their ever-transforming journey through life.

If you’d like to feature your news or stories on SBID.org, get in touch to find out more. 

If you’d like to become SBID Accredited, click here for more information.