Curraghbeena Road
The L shaped contemporary addition to the Curraghbeena Road house in the Sydney suburb of Mosman embraces the core of the original building’s rooms over 3 storeys, opening the dwelling to the expansive iconic views of Sydney Harbour and surrounds. The design intentionally contrasts the 1920’s existing late federation house of face brick with the new additions treated with white plaster and sandstone while preserving many of the original features of the old house.
This design responds directly to the steeply sloping site by cascading the living spaces down towards the harbor where a new pool and boathouse have been built to bond the site to the sea. The entry at the top opens onto a loggia with a large skylight that carries visitors down an open stair with the light into the living areas below. These new living areas contrast with the introvert areas of the old house by using expansive east facing windows and large balconies to project the spaces out towards the view. The interiors, designed in collaboration with Pia Francesca, use a subtle colour palette that allows the blues and greens of the harbour view to take over the interior spaces. This palette, including the dark timber floors, works to tie together the old and the new spaces.
The large block enjoys greater opportunity for landscaped area as the building footprint has been minimised by placing the additions over 3 levels. The remaining landscape has been terraced in order to moderate the slope of the site and provide level spaces for recreation. An inclinator allows easy access between the terraces and the house, and ensures accessibility as the clients age.
Location : Mosman, Sydney, NSW
Design Architect : Luigi Rosselli, Edward Birch
Project Architect : Luigi Rosselli
Structural engineer : O’Hearn Consulting
Builder : Moulds Construction
Interiors : Pia Francesca
Joiner : Scarelli Joinery Pty Ltd
Landscape Architect : Terragram, Vladimir Sitta
Photography : Justin Alexander
A steeply pitched slate roof with traditional ridge tiles tops a residence that blends historic and modern elements. In the foreground, a contemporary stone-clad garage and retaining wall are integrated into the streetscape, featuring a dark timber-slatted door. A matching timber fence and entry gate follow the curve of the site, while a low-profile flat roof extends from the new addition, creating a layered and fragmented architectural frontage.
© Justin Alexander
A historic brick house with a steeply pitched gabled roof and original slate tiles is seamlessly extended by a modern, light-filled glass addition. A curved timber-slatted bridge leads to a transparent entry pavilion with a flat cantilevered roof, creating a sculptural transition between the traditional masonry and the contemporary intervention. The home's elevated position offers views of a scenic waterway with moored boats, illustrating the blend of old and new within a coastal landscape.
© Justin Alexander
A multi-storey residence features fluid, rounded corners and a large cantilevered roof that shelters an upper-level balcony. Below, expansive glass windows are framed by lush greenery. To the left, a rugged stone retaining wall and a steep outdoor staircase are integrated into the hillside, illustrating the home's organic connection to its terraced, landscaped site.
© Justin Alexander
A contemporary white-plastered residence with rounded edges rises above a terraced garden, its balconies and large windows oriented toward distant views. A terrace waterfront garden steps down a steep, tree-filled slope toward the harbour, where a timber deck and slender swimming pool extend along the edge of the site. Nestled beneath a dense canopy, a second plunge pool sits partially shaded, while stone retaining walls and winding stairs trace the natural topography, reinforcing the landscape's layered connection to the water.
© Justin Alexander
A spacious upper-level terrace features clean, white curved balconies and glass balustrades that frame sweeping views of the harbour. Full-height windows reflect the surrounding landscape, while a modern outdoor lounge invites relaxation in the sun, blending indoor and outdoor living along the home's open, waterfront-facing elevation.
© Justin Alexander
An expansive curved balcony extends over the harbour, supported by slender columns and enclosed with clear glass railings. Black outdoor seating contrasts with the house, while uninterrupted views of moored boats and lush greenery emphasise the home's seamless connection to the waterfront.
© Justin Alexander
A minimalist interior stairwell features crisp white walls and sleek black handrails that trace the angular geometry of the space. A bright, minimalist landing is defined by clean white walls and black handrails that curve along the stairwell. Overhead skylights fill the space with natural light, highlighting a series of floating black shelves that display small sculptural objects, emphasising the home's refined, contemporary aesthetic.
© Justin Alexander
A serene bedroom opens onto a spacious balcony through full-height glass doors, offering uninterrupted views of the harbour and surrounding landscape. The space blends classic and contemporary furnishings, while a telescope and seating area on the balcony emphasise the home's connection to its waterfront setting.
© Justin Alexander
A sleek, contemporary walk-in wardrobe features dark walls and open hanging rails that display a curated collection of clothing. A central island with drawers provides storage and contrast, while a large window brings in natural light and offers views over the surrounding treetops and rooftops.
© Justin Alexander
A contemporary living room combines clean, white walls and a long white sofa with classic wooden-framed armchairs, creating a balance of modern and traditional elements. Dark timber floors ground the space, while a sculptural wall panel, mounted artwork, and flat-screen TV add visual interest and emphasise the room's refined, airy character.
© Justin Alexander
A modern dining area features a glossy black table surrounded by dark leather chairs, set against full-height sheer curtains that filter natural light. A minimalist pendant light hangs above the table, while the open doorway reveals glimpses of the adjoining living spaces, emphasising a seamless flow between rooms. The kitchen features a long island with a polished countertop and built-in cooktop, complemented by black barstools. Floor-to-ceiling glazing and horizontal blinds fill the space with natural light and offer panoramic views of the landscape and waterfront.
© Justin Alexander
A contemporary bathroom features a long black vanity with dual sinks and a wall-to-wall mirror, paired with a freestanding white bathtub. Natural light from a window and overhead skylight illuminates the space, highlighting the dark stone surfaces and subtle geometric floor tiles.
© Justin Alexander
A minimalist bathroom showcases a sculptural, curving ceiling that directs light onto a sleek white sink set against a black stone countertop. A large mirror reflects the space, enhancing the sense of openness and highlighting the room's clean, contemporary lines.
© Justin Alexander