luigi rosselli architects revives art deco harbor front property in sydney

luigi rosselli architects revives art deco harbor front property in sydney
images by justin alexander / edward birch

a stone’s throw away from the waterfront, this property located in sydney has been revived by local-based firm luigi rosselli architects. with a prime view of sydney harbor, the proposal exercises adaptive re-use, where its distinctive and elegant quality has been enhanced. this strategy resulted in the foreshore building being kept and the new house moved further back.

a copper rimmed hole was cut into the flat roof to bring light and air to a deep terrace
image © justin alexander

instilling a distinctive character among its neighbors, the curved frontage of the façade is reminiscent of a 1930s art deco residence. once a barren parking area, the entry courtyard is now a densely landscaped garden and within, the house is comprised of four floors, with a surrounding balcony overlooking the iconic harbor front. meanwhile, the roof has a copper-rimmed hole bringing a concentrated circle of light into the balcony.

the overall artistic essence has been translated into the interiors and the clients being art collectors, they requested a setting to ideally display their collection. along with the refined décor seen throughout, expansive wall spaces, nooks for sculptures and lighting have been integrated to make the whole property exude a subtle decadence.

the design references the curves on a 1930s art deco residence
image © justin alexander

the timber wall cladding conceals a garage door and the old brick façade of the house
image © justin alexander

the bead blasted stainless steel balcony railings are a nautical reference to the naval architecture of the 1930s
image © edward birch

the vertical gallery of paintings terminates at the bottom of the stairs with a sculpture
image © justin alexander

four storeys high, the stair has a solid blackbutt hardwood finish, with a moderate stain finish
image © justin alexander

1930s essence with a densely packed library
image © justin alexander

brazilian ribbed glass in steel framed doors frame the jewellery inspired herve van der straeten lustre
image © justin alexander

bay windows have expanded the existing house sideways, providing views to double bay and sydney harbour
image © edward birch

in the master bedroom, there is a bronze finish brass mantelpiece
image © justin alexander

the wine cellar
image © justin alexander

steel windows and woven brass screens provide an open feeling and privacy as well
image © justin alexander

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