ROSEWOOD HOUSE

The texturised timber screen of Rosewood House sits as the crown jewel amongst a bold composition of strong forms. 

Referencing the clients’ Japanese and Scandinavian heritage, timber was used as the principal design material.  The family home is linked over three levels by a dramatic staircase.  Light and views become part of the interior world by situating living areas on the upper floor.  The ground floor, sunken away from the street, contains the bedrooms for maximum privacy.  The lower ground floor thoughtfully connects the living area with the pool and rear backyard.

The design draws on Rosewood House’s natural surroundings. The sloping site generated a split-level street presentation and allowed us to create a dynamic play of forms when viewed from the street below. The external views are part of the house’s changing mood capturing Wedding Cake island and the deliberately filtered view of Waverley cemetery so that this is glimpsed but does not dominate.

The house employs strong sustainable design principals, drawing in northern light, using thermal mass and providing cross ventilation throughout.  Rainwater is harvested, while solar panels have been concealed from view to power the pool and house.

In the words of the client, “The design provides a unique living space for our family and is sympathetic to our Japanese/Norwegian heritage.  The extensive use of timber in the interior provides for a meditative and nurturing environment. This is complemented by the sculptured wooden exterior and Japanese Maple in the centre courtyard. At the same time, the extensive use of glass allows us to experience the constantly changing ocean and sky vistas...”

Traditional custodians: The Gadigal people of the Eora Nation

Photography: Dave Wheeler
@dave_wheeler

Styling: Atelier Lab
@atelier_lab_

Team: Madeleine Blanchfield and Kevin Ewart