Library in Fernery
Thousands of books in this parkside house were destroyed by a fire. Ravaged by smoke, water and burning embers, a rare Stuart piano was wheeled out just in time.
Three years later the original “Art noveau” house has been reborn with new joinery, furniture and landscaping.
The rebuilding was a complex exercise that included decontamination of every part of the structure, refinishing and updating to current codes and standards, and reconstruction of lost sections of the house.
The stairwell was partially reconstructed with a new suspended steel stair to the attic replacing the unfortunately positioned old one. Behind the main stair a new two storey library was placed for the regrowing collection, along with a draw bridge leading to the upper level of the library.
The eclectic interior furnishings have been redeveloped like the architecture. Some of the salvaged pieces have been reused while some new elements have been carefully selected by Interior Designer Romaine Alwill to provide a wide range of moods for a house full of character.
The landscaping was also a reconstruction of the old garden damaged by firemen and builders with William Dangar adding a lush fernery that borders the entry path and the new portico.
Design Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Project Architects: Simon Hassall, Corrado Palleschi, Renata Popovic-Tomac
Joinery Design Architects:Sean Johnson, Renata Popovic-Tomac
Landscape Architect: William Dangar
Interior Designer: Romaine Alwill
Structural Consultant: Matthew O’Hearn, O’Hearn Consulting Pty Ltd
Environmental Management Consultants: Hibbs & Associates Pty Ltd
Builder: Sydcon Building Services
Joiner: Corelli Joinery
Photography: Edward Birch
A light yellow two-storey residence featuring columns and balcony railings, nestled amongst lush gardens and palm trees. The facade is encompassed by dense greenery, highlighting the tranquil and renovated setting.
© Edward Birch
A light yellow two-storey residence featuring colonnades and balcony railings, set behind a classic white fence. The exterior is surrounded by lush greener and mature trees, creating a serene garden environment.
© Edward Birch
The entrance is defined by a geometric metal gate and a light-coloured facade with white architectural elements.
© Edward Birch
An element arched entryway featuring a light yellow facade and a timber-framed glass door. The tiled threshold is accented by greenery and a dark fence, providing a glimpse into the interior furnishings.
© Edward Birch
Custom cabinetry featuring arched timber frames defines this bright interior space. The shelving unit includes an open niche displaying a yellow vase and spherical decor. A circular window on the right complements the minimalist and elegant aesthetic.
© Edward Birch
A staircase with curved timber handrails and white balusters lead to a bright upper-level library, where full-height timber-framed bookshelves line the wall beyond. The balustrade separates the landing from the library from the library, with a skylight bringing daylight onto the timber floor and shelving.
© Edward Birch
The balustrade has begun to lower, opening the edge of the landing towards the two-storey library and bringing the shelving more directly into the circulation space. Daylight from the skylight continues to illuminate the timber framed bookcases and warm timber flooring.
© Edward Birch
With the balustrade fully lowered, the landing opens directly onto the library, revealing the full height and depth of the book collection. The timber-framed shelving and skylight remain the focus, while the lowered mechanism is integrated discreetly into the floor.
© Edward Birch
A close-up of a black pulley system operates a drawbridge that leads to the upper level of the library, providing access to the higher stacks of books.
© Edward Birch
A grand piano, complete with a black bench, is situated on a wooden floor in front of large windows, which are adorned with light curtains and frame a view of the backyard.
© Edward Birch
A modern dining space features a central round light wood table surrounded by white chairs with floral cushions and a vase of deep red flowers. The warm, airy room is characterised by arched wooden door framed with glass double doors framed in a wooden bookshelf and desk area to the side.
© Edward Birch
The indoor dining space flows effortlessly through open glass doors onto a sunlit lawn bordered by dense trees and shrubs, completely uniting the interior with the surrounding natural landscape.
© Edward Birch
A luminous living room features a circular white marble and wood fireplace alongside wooden bookshelves filled with books and decor. The eclectic space includes a light grey sofa and a bright yellow accent chair, illuminated by geometric pendant lights and natural light from arched windows.
© Edward Birch
A streamlined kitchen centres on a timber island with integrated open shelving and three brown leather bar stools. White cabinetry framed in timber, built-in appliances and a stainless steel splashback create a restrained material palette across the space.
© Edward Birch
The kitchen island extends into the open plan space, with three columns aligned along the timber clad edge. Full height cabinetry and integrated appliances continue around the kitchen, while timber flooring and detailing provide warmth throughout.
© Edward Birch
A light-filled dining space organised around a circular timber table, illuminated by a large oval skylight with sculptural pendant lighting. Full-height sheer curtains diffuse sunlight along one side, while clerestory glazing enhances the airy atmosphere. Beyond, a joinery-lined wall integrates three framed artworks above a low balustrade, subtly screening an adjacent stair void.
© Edward Birch
Sunlight illuminates the timber floor of the bright dining area, which is centered beneath a circular skylight. The space is connected to the landscape through full height windows offering garden views.
© Edward Birch
A double height stair hall features a suspended timber staircase with white balustrades and a skylit landing above. The space is finished in crisp walls and warm timber flooring, creating a bright and airy interior.
© Edward Birch
Descending past a double-height landing, a continuous suspended timber staircase leads down to a library. The space features white balustrades, plush carpeted flooring, and built-in shelving, which together with the open stairwell create a luminous, multi-layered feel.
© Edward Birch
A close-up of the reconstructed stairwell shows a finely detailed timber handrail integrated with crisp white balustrade and wall surfaces. The smooth joinery highlights the careful craftsmanship and contemporary refinement introduced during the rebuilding, while maintaining a warm, tactile quality.
© Edward Birch
A well-lit attic study features built-in timber shelving displaying books and framed artworks, paired with a sculptural wooden desk at the centre. The walls and angled ceilings enhance the sense of space, while a pendant light and warm timber finishes create an intimate, refined workspace.
© Edward Birch
A covered outdoor sitting area connects to a bedroom through a louvered door, blending indoor and outdoor living. Soft furnishings and built-in seating rest against pale yellow walls, while patterned flooring and a circular window add character and detail. The adjoining bedroom, visible beyond, features warm lighting and a calm, restorative atmosphere.
© Edward Birch
A radiant room features large corner windows that frame views of lush greenery. The space includes an elegant desk and a cushioned stool, complemented by floral carpet and curtains, which together create a radiant ambiance.
© Edward Birch
A bathroom composed of marble-lined surfaces, featuring a freestanding bathtub set beside a glass-enclosed shower. Generous natural light filters into the space, highlighting the refined material palette and clean, contemporary detailing.
© Edward Birch
A bathroom defined by a floral mosaic feature wall, set behind a large mirror and flanked by twin wall lights. A vanity with integrated storage sits below, while a green upholstered seat introduces a softer, decorative element to the space.
© Edward Birch