Better known as the INXS house, it was built on a Hawkesbury River escarpment north of Sydney, in the wilderness of a national park. While the rock star owner was playing at Wembley Stadium in London to crowds of 74,000, this concrete blocks and timber weatherboards structure was taking shape as a courtyard house and two ship like bows jutting out of the steep slope. The river a long way below is a reminder of the various boats stranded on the shore, as Noah’s Ark or Gabriele D’Annunzio’s torpedo on the slopes of Lake Garda. It has been the safe mooring of more than one family of the last 25 years and they have all kept a religious respect to the original design. The colours, the lightfittings are all unchanged, time has added a gracious patina, removed the gloss, softened the edges, darkened the timber. This first new house of Luigi Rosselli Architects was built in a period where glass and corrugated steel dominated Sydney architecture, followed by smooth minimalism. Not following the widespread trends this house is a timeless, tactile and textural design.
Location: Cottage Point, NSW
Design Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Project Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Builder: Paul & Rob King
Structural Consultant: Geoff Nines Fong & Partners Pty Ltd
Joiner: Dan Kitchens
Roofing Contractor: CMS Roofing
Landscape Architect: Richard Stutchbury for Red Rust Designs
Lighting: Louis Poulsen
Photography: Justin Alexander (2014), Luigi Rosselli (2014) John Gollings (1990)
1990 The yacht inspired eastern timber deck overlooking the Hawkesbury River.
On the left is a 1990 photo from John Gollings and on the right is a 2014 Photo by Justin Alexander. © John Gollings, © Justin Alexander
The split face concrete Boral blocks, alternating with smooth face green blocks are as good as new. © John Gollings, © Luigi Rosselli
The gangplank entry and first use of curved glass by Luigi Rosselli Architects. It was also Luigi Rosselli Architects first new house project. © John Gollings, © Justin Alexander
The Copper roof has darkened and will start becoming green slowly. The Austrian roofer has now set up a thriving roofing company, CMS Roofing. The timber venetians have been relocated inside to reduce the bushfire risk. © John Gollings, © Justin Alexander
The Western deck, the silky red colour has tanned to dark brown. Colours fade but textures are enhanced by time. © John Gollings, © Justin Alexander
The sandstone stonework of the fireplace was dry packed to take these logs, the remains of a couple of trees that had to be removed to build the house. © John Gollings, © Justin Alexander
Textured abundance of natural materials, stone, timber, copper.
© Luigi Rosselli
The original joinery in the rumpus room with desk on the right hand side minutely detailed drawers. The woven brass infills at the top have an even bronze natural finish
© Luigi Rosselli
The front door has two small apertures at the top, with woven brass mesh on the outside and small timber hinged flaps to allow air to flow when the door is shut.
© Luigi Rosselli
The central stair with Louis Poulsen lights.
© Luigi Rosselli
The internal doors were inspired by Casa Malaparte in Capri and the handles were Olivari Milano, a touch of nostalgia for Luigi’s home town. © Luigi Rosselli, © Justin Alexander
The courtyard had a tree in the middle, later removed for bush fire safety.
© Luigi Rosselli
The client asked that the house should have more timber and less concrete blocks. Luigi Rosselli paraphrased Frank Lloyd Wright: “A good house design should still look pleasing once burnt down.”
© Luigi Rosselli
The colours of the Boral Besser blocks were selected to blend in with the rocky sandstone outcrops and bushland. Moss is very slow to cover the blockwork.
© Luigi Rosselli
A copper roof can last 250 years, so 25 years is only a small test of time. The house was built before rising sea levels were on everyone’s mind.
© Luigi Rosselli