Sometimes alterations and additions can amount to significant interventions to breathe new life into a building, occasionally they require only the lightest touch to reinvigorate an existing design, as was the case with this Sydney home, designed in classic modernist style by the architect George Reeves in 1963.
Overall our clients felt that the major elements of the layout of their home worked well, however the connections between the indoor and outdoor spaces were poor and the house was generally beginning to look its age, as such improving those connections and restoring and enhancing the home in line with the original architect’s intent were the main focus of this renovation.
Influences from the work of legendary Brazilian architect, Oscar Niemeyer are evident throughout the house, and no more clearly can this be seen than in the voluptuous form of the concrete awning that covers the entry and provides the first impression one receives when approaching via the lushly planted drive. Once inside, those influences, and the broader design elements that anchor the home in the modernist era, continue in the form of carefully restored original features such as the single stringer and cantilevered switchback stair, and the sinuous curved ceiling bulkheads in the lounge, dining and kitchen spaces.
It is in these communal spaces where the light hand of the current renovation is most evident. Skylights were added, and walls and heavily framed windows were removed to make way for barely there floor to ceiling steel and glass windows, which can be fully opened to draw in fresh air and light and foster a strong sense of connection between the interior and exterior rooms. This connection is further enhanced by the restrained yet elegant colour and material palette – created by interior designer, Romaine Alwill – that allows the natural beauty of Will Dangar’s tropical and verdant landscape architecture to take centre stage.
Awards:
Wollahra Design Excellence Award 2019 NSW
Category: Design – Alterations and Additions
Location: Bellevue Hill, NSW
Council: Woollahra Municipal Council
Design Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Project Architect: Manuelle Schelp for Studio Schelp, Rebecca Munro
Interior Designer: Alwill Interiors
Builder: Sydcon Building Services
Structural Consultant: Geoff Nines Fong and Partners Pty Ltd
Joiner: Corelli Joinery
Landscaper: Dangar Barin Smith
Steel Framed Windows: Enviro Window Designs
Photography: Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
The classic 1950s Loop Chair by Willy Guhl, manufactured in a cement based material by Swiss brand Swisspearl featured in a beautifully tranquil courtyard setting.
© Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
From the paving to the seat to the pool fencing, each element was carefully considered in relation to each other, complimenting and enhancing the garden as a whole.
© Prue Ruscoe
The complex radius of the custom built and designed timber bench seat was expertly executed by Sydcon Building Services.
© Prue Ruscoe
The columns blend into the background emulating the trunks of the palm trees in the background.
© Prue Ruscoe
Tenacious climber vines adorn the fascia.
© Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
The connection between interior and exterior 'rooms' were maximised to form a seamless integration between living space.
© Prue Ruscoe
Multiple indoor and outdoor communal living zones can be accessed with just the slide of a steel framed door.
© Prue Ruscoe
A large pivot entry door makes a grand entrance when open, though subtle and concealed when closed with finish matching the wall cladding.
© Prue Ruscoe
The original switchback stair by architect George Reeves was carefully restored to it's former glory with a new brass handrail and frameless glass balustrade.
© Prue Ruscoe
Brass handrail and glass balustrade detail gently curving around structural elements.
© Prue Ruscoe
The curved ceiling bulkheads were carefully restored, another element highlighting the modernist influence through out the existing house.
© Prue Ruscoe
A light internal palette make the flourishing landscape the focal point of the kitchen.
© Prue Ruscoe
Large steel framed glazed sliding doors completely open the interior space to lush landscaped planting, enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor.
© Prue Ruscoe
White interiors with splashes of colour to contrast in the selected furnishings.
© Prue Ruscoe
Curved timber clad ceilings add some tactility to the space, white washed so not to overpower the space.
© Prue Ruscoe
Built in floating concrete fireplace with gentle curves, an unobtrusive yet elegant addition to the living room.
© Prue Ruscoe
Sliding timber doors open to reveal the master ensuite clad in calcutta marble.
© Prue Ruscoe
Decorative pendant lighting sensitively selected by Alwill Interiors perfectly match the brass tap ware and stone vanity.
© Prue Ruscoe
Touches of brass sanitaryware complement the custom timber joinery and tiled walls.
© Prue Ruscoe