Above Board Living
Where the land meets the sea the blue expanse of ocean and sky is a magnet for humanity, the Blue Planet Dwellers; this home, created for a family reaching maturity, with adult children and parents deeply passionate about good design, expressed through their creation and manufacture of accessories for daily life, aimed to remove barriers to that irresistible attraction. They craved the ability to live their lives intimately connected to the nearby Bronte Beach and the Pacific Ocean horizon beyond; to watch the morning sun rise from its depths and be immersed in the conditions of the surf and sea breezes rising from the water.
Traditionally in Europe it was quite common for the living spaces of a home to be positioned on the upper levels, with space for livestock and storage at ground level, however in Australia is engrained the lifestyle to place the ‘living areas’ at garden level. Our family though were keen to turn their world upside down and position their living spaces on the upper level to capture the breezes and enhance their views with that ocean connection, and detach themselves from the busy streets of the beachside neighbourhood below.
Our client’s main aspiration was to achieve a very natural lifestyle, and so we created a design for them that sought to reflect this aspiration, with large openable windows to catch the breezes, skylights and shuttered openings to control the access to natural sunlight, rammed earth walls providing thermal mass and the cooling effect of the hydroscopic qualities of clay, and a roof garden to elevate the landscaping enhance the access to green space. The materials were selected to promote the authenticity and ‘above board’ genetics of this home: rammed earth, timber, zinc and iron were treated in a ‘matter of fact’ way. The rammed earths used were carefully dosed to provide a ‘sun-blushed’ epidermis.
Though the project embraces the natural, Luigi Rosselli Architects have not refrained from using these materials in a cultured and referential way, their history is revealed in all the design choices. The Carl Scarpa inspired stone mosaic floor (Venetian influence), the arched master bedroom door (byzantine or oriental), the traditional ironwork balustrades (medieval) and the latticework of the shutters (drawing on lace making as inspiration). The architecture embraces the fluidity of forms that enhance the function and aims of the design.
To the exterior the recessed front entry is framed by projections to each side, the balcony shape to the first floor reaches eagerly towards the ocean views, while the strong vertical form of the rammed earth chimney to its opposite side anchors down the whole structure.
One of the greatest experiences an Architect is gifted is to work with skilled trades who are able to interpret and execute their designs with an additional zest. In the realisation of the project the contractors who lent their skill to the tiling, the set plaster, the ironwork, the joinery, the roofing and the rammed earth are all worth naming and praising for their unique contributions with, or course, particularly merit given to the Builder who directed them.
Design Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Project Architect: Diana Yang
Builder: Groundup Building Pty Ltd
Landscape Architect: Pod Landscaping Pty Ltd
Structural Consultant: Geoff Nines Fong and Partners Pty Ltd
Interior Designer: LRA & Client
Joiner: David Reddy Furniture
Sliding Screens: David Reddy Furniture
Metalwork: Ganci Blacksmith & Steel Design
Rammed Earth: Earth Dwellings Australia Pty Ltd
Windows: Evolution Windows & Vitrosca Windows
Photography: Prue Ruscoe
© Prue Ruscoe
A contemporary bathroom combines a freestanding white bathtub with a timber vanity and a natural stone benchtop featuring soft grey and green veining. Ribbed translucent glass screens provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through, complemented by a frameless glass shower screen, brushed bronze tapware and a small-formal mosaic floor in muted grey and white tones.
© Prue Ruscoe
A serene bedroom features a low timber platform bed dressed in white linen, set against curved rammed earth walls in warm, sun-blushed tones. A black wall mounted reading light, timber flooring, a patterned rug and sheer curtains soften the earthy palette, while a large window draws natural light into the room.
© Prue Ruscoe
A close view of a landscaped courtyard garden reveals columnar blue green cacti, rounded golden barrel cacti and sculptural agave plants set in white gravel. Silvery foliage and established trees contrast with dark timber lattice screen, creating a textural garden composition.
© Prue Ruscoe
A bedroom with white linen bedding overlooks a landscaped garden through a large black framed window. Layered sheer and dark taupe curtains filter the sunlight, while white gravel, columnar cacti, golden barrel cacti and sculptural succulents create a drought-tolerant garden beneath established trees.
© Prue Ruscoe
A bedroom opens onto the upper level landing through a tall arched doorway with a black metal frame. Textured natural fibre wallcovering, timber ceiling beams and light flooring create a warm, natural palette, complemented by a sculptural black wall light and a curved black iron balustrade overlooking the interior.
© Prue Ruscoe
An open plan kitchen and dining area is arranged beneath a high, timber ceiling with exposed painted roof trusses and suspended glass pendant lights. Timber cabinetry and a curved island connect to an oval dining table with sculptural dark chairs, while expansive black-framed glazing opens onto a balcony with iron balustrades and views across the surrounding rooftops.
© Prue Ruscoe
A timber lined kitchen opens towards a large curved corner window overlooking the surrounding neighbourhood and palm trees. Timber cabinetry, integrated appliances and a built in window seat create a warm, functional space, with natural light illuminating the stone flooring and highlighting the connection between the interior and the outlook beyond.
© Prue Ruscoe
A streamlined kitchen features floor to ceiling timber cabinetry, a grey veined stone splashback and matching stone island benchtop. A dark woven texture finish adds contrast to the island and recessed shelving, while three leather upholstered bar stools, integrated appliances and a slim linear pendant maintain the restrained material palette.
© Prue Ruscoe
An oval timber dining table is surrounded by sculptural charcoal grey upholstered chairs with black metal frames. Dark glass pendant lights hang beneath a pale timber lined ceiling with exposed white painted roof trusses and skylights, while large format stone flooring, a leafy indoor plant and framed artwork complete the light filled dining space.
© Prue Ruscoe
A dining area features a round timber table surrounded by woven natural fibre chairs, set against full height dark timber cabinetry with integrated storage and a recessed bar area. A stone splashback and benchtop contrast with the rich timber finishes, while sliding black framed glass doors open onto a timber deck with a large textured planter and lush greenery.
© Prue Ruscoe
An overhead view captures a curved staircase finished in small format grey and white mosaic tiles, with a sculptural black iron balustrade following the spiral form. Two suspended pendant lights hang through the stairwell, highlighting the contrast between the patterned flooring, walls and dark metalwork.
© Prue Ruscoe
A curved black iron balustrade encloses the upper level stairwell beneath a timber-lined ceiling with an oval skylight. Two suspended pendant lights descend through the double height space, while pale stone flooring and a smooth curved wall emphasise the flowing geometry of the interior.
© Prue Ruscoe
A warm, natural dining space features rich timber cabinetry, a round timber table and woven chairs, with a marble backsplash and understated finishes. Large sliding doors open to a leafy courtyard, connecting the interior with greenery, natural light and coastal living.
© Prue Ruscoe
An informal dining area includes a circular dining table, maroon sofa, and dark timber shelving. The design unites functional storage with comfortable, lived in detailing.
© Prue Ruscoe
Rammed earth walls and timber flooring define a living area opening directly to the garden. The plantings to extend interior warmth outward, creating continuity between architecture and landscape.
© Prue Ruscoe
A view across the courtyard towards the dining area reveals dark geometric sliding screens framing the open-plan interior. Warm timber flooring, a round timber dining table and woven dining chairs create a welcoming setting, while the rendered facade, timber deck and neatly maintained lawn connect the indoor and outdoor spaces.
© Prue Ruscoe
A landscaped courtyard beside the living and dining areas features a swimming pool, a slatted timber bench and a circular side table. Dark geometric metal screens provide privacy while allowing filtered views into the interior, complemented by rendered walls, timber decking and layered tropical planting.
© Prue Ruscoe
Seen through the geometric screens, a curved timber slatted bench wraps around the edge of the pool. A dark timber fence, mature trees and lush planting form the backdrop, while the rendered pool edge and lawn complete this private garden setting.
© Prue Ruscoe
Daylight streams through the geometric front door and fluted glass panel, casting patterns along the entry hall. Cylindrical ceramic wall lights and flush cabinetry line one side, with the stone mosaic floor leading the eye towards the entrance.
© Prue Ruscoe
The spiral stair, lattice screen and rammed earth wall come together in the entry wall. Through the open doorway, a curved rammed earth wall and low timber bed are visible in the bedroom, while the front door opens to the garden, drawing light deep into the home.
© Prue Ruscoe
A curved white staircase with a sculptural black balustrade rises from the stone mosaic floor of the entry, topped by a skylight void and cylindrical pendant lights. Beyond the geometric screen, a deep red sofa and the garden can be seen through the open living space, with the rammed earth wall in the foreground.
© Prue Ruscoe
From the balcony, the looped iron balustrade frames a view across the water to the Bronte headland. A large textured pot of tall planting sits on the stone floor, while the curved balcony wall, and oval skylight above create a sheltered spot to take in the coastline.
© Prue Ruscoe
An oval opening cut through the curved roof overhang frames the sky above the balcony, letting in light and air. The zinc-lined edge and rolled gutter trace the soft curves of the roofline, and the lined soffit with recessed lights completes the sculptural form.
© Prue Ruscoe
Olive trees and palm trunks filter the view of the entry, where the geometric black door sits behind tiled steps. The rendered walls, curved glazing and soft curtains keep the approach clam and understated, with layers of greenery creating a sense of privacy from the street.
© Prue Ruscoe
The recessed front entry is framed by a perforated black metal gate and a warm rammed earth wall. Tiled steps and a curved iron handrail echo the looped pattern of the balustrade above, leading down to the garden, while timber slats and a sculpted planter add texture to the base of the home.
© Prue Ruscoe
Looking up from the garden, the first floor balcony wraps around the upper living level, edged with a looped black iron balustrade. Below, the entry sits beneath the curved white slab, softened by olive trees, palms and spiky yucca. A resident on the balcony and another at the front door show how the upper living level and the entry connect to the garden.
© Prue Ruscoe
The curved balcony and sweeping roofline reach out towards the ocean, with large panes of glass opening the upper level living space to the view. A tall rammed earth chimney with a sculpted cap anchors the right side of the façade, while palms and coastal planting soften the street frontage.