The Cliff Top House by Luigi Rosselli Architects

In recent past, architectural language has gravitated towards vertical forms, from the previous established horizontal settings, as a natural extension of the refined technologies presently uncovered, which allow greater support, and experimentation. Within the tenets of this, The Cliff Top House exemplifies vertical living, enhanced by its location at the top of a rock escarpment, in Sydneys Eastern Suburbs, its stature defined by the surrounding Queens Park and the Centennial Park, which also serves to provide resplendent views. The form of the building would induce a positive impact on the neighbours, as well as the members of public who frequented the area, and Luigi Rosselli Architects successfully endeavored to depict the same.

Located on one of the best house sites in Sydney on a cliff overlooking the City and Centennial Park. Waverley Council is built on a large sandstone shelf with famous cliffs over Bondi and Tamarama, but this one is hidden on the slopes over Centennial Park. Due to its location, atop a cliff, it is realised that a natural outdoor garden would be at the bottom of the cliff, and thereby inaccessible. Therefore, the design of the house is such that the levels have been staggered to mould out terraces and balconies within the form of the house, in order to provide for recreational space. The levels of the house, jutting out alternatively, with their crisp forms, in white, juxtaposed with fenestrations, embody simplicity and elegance. The scissoring design is reminiscent of the natural rock ledges prevalent in the site and the coastal landscapes of Sydney, which is where the architect has drawn inspiration from.

Scissoring of the floors created entertaining terraces and children play areas. Adjustable vertical aluminium louvres by JWI louvres, and custom aluminium wall cladding keep the house cool.

Building a multi-storey residence on top of a cliff requires good engineering to create a building that confidently hovers over it.

The balcony of the upper floor with glass balustrade for undisturbed views out over Queens Park and the picturesque Centennial Parklands. The stained timber decking and pergola create a private retreat for the owners.

The framed views of Sydney and the Blue Mountains in the distance from one of the terraces. In winter the terrace gets maximum warmth and sunlight, and is protected on two sides by building and large trees.

The western elevation of the house allows one to glimpse unique views of the city and the Blue Mountains, with the greenery of the gulley and adjoining parks acting as a dynamic foreground. The heat apparent from the western orientation is moderated by the design elements of louvers, shutters and balcony projections. All the habitable rooms have measures to protect direct sun penetration. The architects have adhered to ideal principles of designing. For instance, while the location of the house determined that the form be more vertical, the design was formulated to comprise of levels and shading devices, which would reduce the impact of heat within the spaces of the house. This has been furthered by wise usage of materials, thereby leading to the creation of a home, where the usage of air conditioning is not necessary.

The Aluminium weatherboard cladding was designed by Luigi Rosselli Pty Ltd and manufactured by JWI Louvres.

A seamless wall of oil stained western red cedar timber cladding encloses the garage, bin store area and main entry. A full photovoltaic solar array & solar hot water system are hidden behind the roof parapet.

The window is protected for privacy with a horizontal aluminium louver pointing upwards, so that one can see the sky from inside.

The texture of the sandstone and stained timber walls in the living room contrast with the sparseness of the study.

The interior designer and the children have transformed the living room into a comfortable refuge.

Dark stained timber flooring rises up under the white kitchen, finished with a fine edge Carrara Marble bench top. The door at the back accesses the pantry.

Winding its way from floor to floor, the staircase creates a light-well through the middle of the building. The frameless glass balustrade allows maximum light to penetrate down through each floor from the large first floor skylight.