Oculi House
Heritage listing is not the only prerequisite to preserve and enhance an old charming house.
Designed by William Hardy Wilson and built in 1927, the original house saw some alterations carried out in the 1960s and 1970s, and the work most recently completed by this office sought to reinstate and valorise some of its original simplicity. While this house is not heritage listed, it is a significant piece of Sydney architecture that deserved considerate attention.
New additions to the original house were tucked over, under and behind the existing fabric and designed in such a way that they would be complimentary to the original design, as if they had always been there. A new wing sits at the rear of the house facing on to the rear yard and pool, new underground storage and services were integrated into the design and a new bedroom and dormers were inserted into the roof to increase the living area without diminishing the imposing roof form.
Three new elliptical oculi, clad in copper, invite you to sit and contemplate an expansive view of the city. These dormers, inspired by the Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund (who was a contemporary of Hardy Wilson with a similar passion for classical architecture) intersect the large terracotta tiled roof.
The original loggia that had been previously filled in was reopened, creating a light filled outdoor room that is straddled by the formal living spaces. The large original roof left many of the spaces at the heart of the home dark and a new elliptical stair, lit from above by a large skylight, chased away the shadows and provided some grandeur to the entry space. In the spirit of Asplund and Hardy Wilson the timber baluster appropriates the classical form of a Doric column.
This project is a natural extension of Luigi Rosselli Architects approach to heritage architecture as an organic growth and exploration of the building. Similar to the development of ancient villages with closely related architecture, new works are clearly distinct from the older ones, avoiding confrontation and generational disputes.
Awards: Winner – Woollahra Design Excellence Awards 2015, Category B2, Alterations & Additions
Location: Bellevue Hill, Sydney, NSW
Design Architect: Luigi Rosselli
Project Architect: James Horler, Candace Christensen
Builder: A Build Pro
Structural Consultant: Rooney & Bye Consulting Engineers
Interiors: Alexandra Donohoe of Decus
Joiner: Corelli Joinery
Landscape Architect: Peter Fudge Gardens
Landscaper: Rowlands Landscapes
Photography: Justin Alexander
A terracotta tiled roof accented by three circular copper-clad dormer windows. The classical facade includes a columned loggia with furnished seating and windows fitted with green louvred shutters.
© Justin Alexander
A minimalist interior nook framed by a curved archway, featuring a circular window with a cross-framed design. A built-in bench upholstered in light grey cushion sits beneath the window, offering views of the surrounding greenery and city beyond.
© Justin Alexander
A classic terracotta tiled roof adorned with circular dormer windows and a prominent white chimney. Glass doors and louvred shutters seamlessly link the interior paved outdoor terrace, complete with lounge and dining furniture that overlooks a manicured lawn.
© Justin Alexander
A contemporary alfresco area centers around a dark, wall-recessed hearth stacked with logs, set beside a wooden dining setting with white seating. Positioned adjacent to a sleek, dark glazed wall, the space is completed by a white door with divided glass panes.
© Justin Alexander
A two-storey residence with a terracotta tiled roof, characterised by expansive glass doors and louvred shutters. The property features a blue swimming pool, stone paving, and a large mature tree, creating a serene and modern outdoor environment.
© Justin Alexander
A grand entry space featuring a dark wooden elliptical staircase with a black metal guardian and timber balusters. The minimalist interior is illuminated by a geometric chandelier with spherical shades, highlighting the walls and dark timber flooring.
© Justin Alexander
An interior view of a spiral staircase featuring dark timber handrails and grey carpeted steps. The minimal space is illuminated by a modern spherical chandelier, with white walls adorned by black and white artwork. The staircase overlooks the living room below, highlighting the timber flooring and bright, open atmosphere.
© Justin Alexander
A well-lit interior hallway featuring a white grid ceiling and dark timber flooring. The walls are adorned with artwork and sconces, drawing the eye towards a bright, open space with a chandelier and large windows visible at the far end.
© Justin Alexander
A luminous interior hallway showcases elegant wall mouldings, dark timber flooring, and abstract art pieces. Complete with a small wooden table and an antique mirror, the space seamlessly flows into a bathroom featuring a vanity.
© Justin Alexander
A lustrous minimalist living room is furnished with two light grey sofas flanking a central white coffee table, while a white built-in bookcase lines the left wall. A dark timber framed fireplace serves as a focal point in the background, and natural light streams in through double glass doors, highlighting the clean lines and serene atmosphere of the interior.
© Justin Alexander
An interior view looking through double glass doors into a light-filled living room with soft furnishings and wall art. The foreground features a transitional space with distinctive black and white striped flooring, a sculptural black pendant light, and a vintage ceiling fan, connecting the living areas with elegant contrast.
© Justin Alexander
An elegant interior view featuring two light armchairs flanking a gold-framed glass coffee table arranged with books and greenery. The space flows through glass doors into a dining area defined by a table, vintage style pendant light, and wall art, all characterised by a refined light palette.
© Justin Alexander
A modern kitchen featuring light cabinetry and dark countertops, defined by expansive glass windows that frame views of the pool and lush windows that frame views of the pool and lush greenery. The space includes a central island adorned with tableware and flowers, suspended pendant lights, and light stone flooring, creating a bright and functional environment.
© Justin Alexander
A modern kitchen featuring light cabinetry and dark countertops, equipped with a stainless steel stove with red knobs and a glass-and-metal storage cabinet. The layout includes a central island with a double sink, industrial-style pendant lights, and warm brown tiled flooring.
© Justin Alexander
The bathroom interior is characterised by dark marble walls and countertops, centered around a large rectangular mirror and overhead crystal chandelier. The space contrasts the rich stone with a white door featuring glass panes, establishing a sophisticated and light-filled environment.
© Justin Alexander
A minimalist bathroom centered around a white freestanding bathtub, framed by a large black steel window looking out onto lush greenery. The interior features grey marble wall accents and mosaic tiling, creating a bright and airy connection to the outdoors.
© Justin Alexander
A minimalist bedroom featuring white linens and warm accents, complemented by geometric wall art and a timber ceiling fan. The space connects visually to the adjoining ensuite through a wall of continuous black-framed glass windows.
© Justin Alexander