Kirribilli House
The brief was to provide a comfortable house.What makes a house comfortable?
It’s not a question of good padding on the lounges but the ability of a building to provide a climatically comfortable environment, a place where you seek refuge from the heat of the day or in the cold nights, without having to barricade yourself behind hermetically shut windows.
The rammed earth walls and well located operable skylights, the sun drenched courtyard and the breezy verandah, the green roof and external shutters have all contributed to a most liveable waterfront residence and to win the AIA sustainable design award for 2011.The design was awarded as a proof that sustainable architecture can be applied to the top end of Residential architecture.
The architecture is complemented by a strikingly original landscape design by Terragram.
Awards
2011 Australian Institute of Architects NSW sustainability Award
Location : Kirribilli, Sydney, NSW
Design Architect : Luigi Rosselli
Project Architect : Candace Christensen, Patrick Bless, James Horler, Sean Johnson
Interior Designer : Alena Smith Design Studio
Builder : Alvaro Brothers Building
Structural Consultant : ACOR Consultants
Joiner : VRD Detailed Joinery Pty Ltd
Landscaper : Terragram, Vladimir Sitta
Photography : Justin Alexander
A sunlit courtyard features a sculptural tree surrounded by low green shrubs, nestled against crisp white walls and vertical timber screens. A narrow balcony with a slim metal railing wraps around the planting, creating a breezy, shaded transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.
© Justin Alexander
A sun-filled stairwell warm rammed earth walls contrasting with crisp white surfaces and timber handrails. A glass skylight above filters light through horizontal louvers, casting patterned shadowed down the stairs and highlighting the connection between indoor spaces and the waterfront beyond.
© Justin Alexander
A warm, rammed earth stairwell is bathed in sunlight streaming through a glass skylight with louvers, casting linear shadows across the textured wall. Smooth timber steps and a curved white balustrade contrast with the earthy tones, while a small bookshelf and a dog at the base add a lived-in, welcoming touch.
© Justin Alexander
A rammed earth stairwell glows under warm, indirect lighting, with sunilght filtered through a glass skylight above. Smooth timber threads and a curved white balustrade contrast with the textured wall, while built-in storage beneath the stairs emphasises the spaces' clean, functional lines.
© Justin Alexander
A living area is anchored by a richly textured rammed earth wall, its stratified layers illuminated by warm, indirect light from above. A black leather sofa sits in the foreground, while a skylight and adjacent glazing draw daylight deep into the space, connecting the interior to the surrounding rooftops and sky.
© Justin Alexander
A spacious dining area featuring a long wooden table surrounded by matching caramel-coloured chairs. The warm, textured rammed earth wall behind adds natural warmth to the space, complemented by minimal pendant lighting hanging from the ceiling.
© Justin Alexander
A modern dining area with a long wooden table surrounded by tan leather chairs. The space features warm wooden flooring and a minimalist aesthetic, with sleek white walls and contemporary pendant lighting hanging above. In the background, an open kitchen with white cabinetry and a clean, uncluttered counter creates a bright, airy atmosphere.
© Justin Alexander
A modern kitchen with a long white countertop and integrated sink. The space is illuminated by natural light streaming in through expansive full height windows, offering views of a waterfront scene with expansive views to the landscape. Warm wooden accents on the wall and cabinetry add a touch of natural texture, creating a bright yet cozy atmosphere.
© Justin Alexander
A modern bathroom featuring a double white sink basin set into a wooden vanity. The wall behind the sinks is clad in warm, textured rammed earth panels that extend up to the ceiling, creating a striking backdrop. A tall, narrow window beside the vanity allows natural light to filter in, highlighting the earthy tones and providing a view of the outdoors.
© Justin Alexander
An outdoor dining area on a wooden deck, shaded by an overhanging concrete ceiling. A sleek, built-in fireplace is embedded into a textured rammed earth wall, which adds warmth and natural character to the space. The scene is set for outdoor gatherings, with a view of lush greenery and distant buildings under a bright blue sky.
© Justin Alexander
A modern waterfront house featuring a polished, white exterior with large sliding glass doors that open to a lush garden. The upper level has a wooden slatted balcony that provides shade and privacy, surrounded by vibrant green foliage. The clear blue sky and bright sunlight highlight the building’s clean lines and natural materials, creating a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor living.
© Justin Alexander
A bright, minimalist workspace with a long wooden desk polished along a large window that offers a panoramic view of a marina filled with sailboats. The desk holds a computer and mouse, and a simple white chair is tucked underneath. The room’s clean lines and unobstructed glass walls create an open, airy atmosphere, inviting natural light and scenic vistas into the space.
© Justin Alexander
A contemporary balcony with a sleek metal railing overlooking a vibrant waterfront scene. The balcony floor is a smooth, light-coloured surface, and a minimalist transparent chair with a yellow frame is positioned near the corner. In the background, a bright blue sky with wispy clouds and a view of boats docked along the water create an inviting outdoor space with a sense of openness and connection to nature.
© Justin Alexander