© Justin Alexander
Luigi Rosselli Architects have recently completed an addition above an existing bungalow in Sydney, Australia.
Sitting on top of stilts, this beach house cottage blends the old and the new seamlessly. Beneath the stilts that elevate the building above the ground, a brass porthole window is installed in the garage door, an ode to the ships sailing the ocean nearby.
© Edward Birch
The elliptical steel entry steps spiral through the palms, light stained timber decking line the stair treads and the balustrade reflects the front white picket fence.
© Justin Alexander
Traditional and modern elements complement each other through the layered verandas, the captains deck peeks out from just above with unobscured ocean views. The verandah was extended to the side of the original ground floor living room, shading the occupants from the heat internally and externally.
© Edward Birch
Landscaping by Chris Hunt of Landskill Pty Ltd and the balustrade enclose an elevated verandah retreat, a place for the owners to relax while occasionally scanning the ocean for migrating whales.
© Justin Alexander
This house changes as the massive timber and aluminium louvres and shutters are adjusted and slid to open the building to light and natural cross ventilation.
© Justin Alexander
A private garden room retreat connects the indoors with the rear outdoor tropical garden and entertaining area. The western red cedar shutters protect the furnished retreat, and open up the house to the back yard.
© Edward Birch
Limed timber stair treads on the staircase, and matching limed original timber floorboards weave together consistently through the spaces as if they had always been there. A book filled bookshelf is nestled between the studs of a wall supporting the staircase.
© Edward Birch
A large timber truss, the main support for the first floor additions and roof, spans the edge of the light drenched stair void. A large skylight to the center of the building floods the interior with natural light.
© Justin Alexander
Timber paneling and bookshelves line the hallway as the stair treads lightly cantilever out from above. The bookcase is recessed from the edge of the stair, widening the hallway and allows the light to flood through the open stair treads from the skylight above.
© Justin Alexander
The ceilings and timber flooring were retained to maintain some of the original character of the building. New bookshelves over the windows, cover the existing walls, and add some insulation to the open living space.
© Justin Alexander
A new custom black steel gas fireplace has been adorned with ceramic pebbles.
© Justin Alexander
The focus point of the kitchen is the freestanding kitchen bench, framed in nickel plated brass structure, american oak infill and Carrara marble benchtop. Aged woven brass mesh panels hide the rangehood.
© Justin Alexander
Hanging above the island bench are a set of custom finish Louis Poulsen lights. Steel and timber windows with broadline glass, line the pantry and storage above.
© Justin Alexander
Light filled and open, the dining area is accented by a paper feature light, designed by Paris Au Mois D’Aout.
© Justin Alexander
A small music practice nook has lots of storage for music.
© Justin Alexander
The master bedroom has views of the ocean through the floor to ceiling doors. A ceiling fan silently keeps the occupants cool along with the ocean breezes that flow through the room.
© Justin Alexander
A natural American oak bed head encloses the bedside tables within its design.
© Justin Alexander
In the bathroom, a steel bath sits on an Escher inspired tile pattern. It also features a nickel plated brass mirror frame and vanity structure, infilled with timber paneling, reflecting elements found throughout the house, as well as being topped with a light Carrara marble top and backsplash.
