Curved Sandstone Wall, Anodised Aluminium Adjustable Louvres, Palm Tree

Martello Tower Home

A Sandstone Coastal Lookout

Situated on the highest point of a ridge overlooking Sydney’s Middle Harbour is a solid, 3 storey brick house built during the between the late 1950s and early 1960s, which has been complemented by contemporary additions bearing all the signature hallmarks of Luigi Rosselli Architecture: the sandstone base, the whitewashed walls, and the aerofoil vertical louvres placed next to “log-cabin” exterior wall cladding.

The front of the house features another Luigi Rosselli Architects key element – a lightwell containing an elliptical stair – framed by the sandstone Martello Tower* entry porch that, in its “partially ruined” state, opens up to the horizontal whitewashed concrete beams and roof lines that complete the new street elevation.

Gentle alterations to the existing house have left ninety-five percent of the original structure standing including the 1950s sandstone fireplace in the lounge, while the additions to the front of the house and the new lower ground floor level at the back have enlivened its somewhat bland appearance. Internally, the interiors created by Romaine Alwill incorporated the client’s favourite Mediterranean Blue colour into a timeless palette to create a comfortable and luminous family home that is ready to survive another 50 years.

*Sometimes known simply as Martellos, Martello Towers are small defensive forts that were built across the British Empire during the 19th century, from the time of the French Revolutionary Wars onwards. Most were coastal forts.

Location: Clontarf, NSW
Council: Manly Council
Design Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Project Architect: Simon Hassall
Interior Designer: Romaine Alwill, Alwill Interiors
Builder: Sydcon Building Services Pty Ltd
Structural & Hydraulic Consultant: Rooney & Bye Pty Ltd
Joiner: Kitchen Trend
Landscaper: Secret Gardens
Photography: Justin Alexander, Edward Birch

Anodised Aluminium Adjustable Louvres — The dual-tone facade reveals the layered composition: a grounded base of earthy brown cladding surmounted by a pale, curving roofline. These gestures temper the solidity of the original brickwork with fluidity and lift, as though the house were opening itself to sky and harbour.
© Edward Birch

Sandstone Stairs, Martello Tower Home, Curved Sandstone Wall, Anodised Aluminium Adjustable Louvres, Palm Tree — A stone clad stairway rises alongside the dwelling, shaded by the canopy of a mature tree. This exterior route forms part of a procession, linking green, sandstone base, and the luminous structure above.
© Justin Alexander

Timber deck, Shutter Awning, Water Views, Dining Room, Sheet Curtains — The dining room embraces the full breadth of its outlook, with timber chairs gathered around a solid table. A floral arrangement introduces colour against the city and harbour backdrop, while the interior palette ensures a balance of timelessness and intimacy.
© Justin Alexander

Sandstone Wall, Living Room, Minimal Pebble Fireplace — The lounge is centred on its original sandstone fireplace, preserved as both relic and anchor. Mid-century seating, reinterpreted with contemporary refinement, orbits the hearth upon a patterned rug, reinforcing the dialogue between the 1950s fabric and the new sandstone additions beyond.
© Justin Alexander

Spiral Timber Stair, Timber Cut-out Balustrade, Curved Stair, Timber Floorboards — A softly illuminated corridor reveals the sculptural grace of a curving timber staircase rising from pale hardwood floors. This elliptical form draws light through the core of the house, animating circulation with movement and serenity while connecting old and new.
© Justin Alexander

Clean White Book Shelf, Timber Cabinets — Integrated white shelving extends across the walls, displaying books and decorative objects as a small timber table and rug define a compact seating area within the home office.
© Justin Alexander

Curved White Book Shelf, Timber Cabinets, Home Office — Daylight enters the home office through the glazing, illuminating the shelving and cabinetry. A slender wire-frame chair sits beside the workspace, keeping the room visually open.
© Justin Alexander

Timber Storage Unit, Timber Shelving, Built in joinery Unit — A timber study nook sits beneath a wall-mounted cabinet with open shelving. A blue stool introduces a contrasting accent in the bedroom.
© Justin Alexander

Light Filled Bedroom, Bedroom Curtains, Bedroom Design — The bedroom features a restrained palette of white bedding, a grey throw and timber furnishings. Soft curtains filter the daylight, while a single artwork provides a focal point above the bed.
© Justin Alexander

Built in Timber Storage Unit — A light-toned hallway with timber flooring leads toward a bathroom, where a freestanding bath is visible beyond natural light which creates a clear visual connection between the spaces.
© Justin Alexander

Freestanding bath, Sydney Harbour Views, Geometric Tiled Floor — Full height glazing opens the bathroom to broad views across the city and harbour. A freestanding bath sits on patterned floor tiles beside the windows, with natural light filling the room.
© Justin Alexander

Freestanding bath, Geometric Tiled Bathroom Floor, Curved Bathroom Mirror, Curved Vanity — Pale tiled walls surrounded a white vanity and mirrored cabinet, creating a light and uncluttered bathroom interior. Hexagonal floor tiles introduce a subtle pattern in soft beige and blue tones.
© Justin Alexander

Clean White Kitchen, Timber Island Bench — The kitchen combines white cabinetry with warm timber benchtops and a central island with bar seating. A glazed blue-tiled splashback adds colour and provides a visual connection to the harbour setting.
© Justin Alexander

Curved Sandstone Wall, Anodised Aluminium Adjustable Louvres — The residence rises above the lawn with a curved sandstone clad tower forming a distinctive element of the composition with mature planting to frame the building along the ridge.
© Justin Alexander