Perched on the top of a rock escarpment in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, overlooking Queens Park and Centennial Park, the cliff top house is an example of vertical living. Four storeys high, only to above the street and built to the front boundary, it was easily approved by Waverley Council because it was consistent with the unique topography, and Luigi Rosselli Architects demonstrated the positive impact to the public and neighbours.
The cliff top design has incorporated the outdoor space in the form of terraces and balconies, to make up for the inaccessible garden at the bottom of the cliff. The “scissoring” design took inspiration from the natural rock ledges one can find in this site and Sydney’s coastal landscapes.
The western elevation of the house has unique city and Blue Mountains views over the greenery of the gully and adjoining parks. The balcony projections, louvres and shutters moderate the heat of the western orientation. All habitable rooms have an external sun protection. Vertical living, shading devices and good use of materials have delivered an air-conditioning free house.
Location: Queens Park, NSW
Design Architects: Luigi Rosselli, Naoko Nishizu
Project Architect: Luigi Rosselli, Carl Rutherfoord
Joinery: Carl Rutherfoord
Builder: Building With Options (B.W.O.)
Structural Consultant: Charles Blunt of Rooney & Bye (Australia) Pty Ltd Consulting Engineers
Interior Designer: Alexandra Donohoe of Decus
Joiner: Space Joinery
Louvres & wall cladding: JWI Louvres
Awnings: Eclipse Opening Shade Systems
Photography: Justin Alexander & Edward Birch
The Aluminium weatherboard cladding was designed by Luigi Rosselli Pty Ltd and manufactured by JWI Louvres. © Edward Birch
“Scissoring” of the floors created entertaining terraces and children’s’ play areas. Adjustable vertical aluminium louvres by JWI louvres, and custom aluminium wall cladding keep the house cool. © Justin Alexander
Building a multi-storey residence on top of a cliff requires good engineering to create a building that confidently hovers over it. © Edward Birch
A seamless wall of oil stained western red cedar timber cladding encloses the garage, bin store area and main entry. A full photovoltaic solar array & solar hot water system are hidden behind the roof parapet. © Justin Alexander
The window is protected for privacy with a horizontal aluminium louver pointing upwards, so that one can see the sky from inside. © Justin Alexander
The lightness of the structure hangs off the cliff escarpment and reaches out over Queens Park. © Justin Alexander
The balcony of the upper floor with glass balustrade for undisturbed views out over Queens Park and the picturesque Centennial Parklands. The stained timber decking and pergola create a private retreat for the owners. © Justin Alexander
The framed views of Sydney and the Blue Mountains in the distance from one of the terraces. In winter the terrace gets maximum warmth and sunlight, and is protected on two sides by building and large trees. © Justin Alexander
In the hotter months, a retractable canvas awnings (Aluxor Awnings supplied by Eclipse Awnings & Blinds) provide shading to terrace, allowing it to be enjoyed year round. © Justin Alexander
The texture of the sandstone and stained timber walls in the living room contrast with the sparseness of the study. © Edward Birch
The interior designer and the children have transformed the living room into a comfortable refuge. © Justin Alexander
Dark stained timber flooring rises up under the white kitchen, finished with a fine edge Carrara Marble bench top. The door at the back accesses the pantry. © Justin Alexander
Winding its way from floor to floor, the staircase creates a light-well through the middle of the building. The frameless glass balustrade allows maximum light to penetrate down through each floor from the large first floor skylight. © Justin Alexander
Wood grain textured finished joinery lines the passage of the bedroom level providing more than ample storage for the entire family. A sliding door closes the children’s play room. © Justin Alexander
Frameless glass, a skylight and large windows all round bathe the ensuite with light. From this window the owners have unobstructed views over Queens Park and Centennial Park. © Justin Alexander
Fabric covered joinery separate the master bedroom from the walk in robe. © Edward Birch
A very private street frontage with tactile materials such as stone and cedar. © Edward Birch
The original concept from the street cul-de-sac. © Luigi Rosselli
The original concept from the site below. © Luigi Rosselli
Aerial view. © Luigi Rosselli