The Spirit of the 1970s – Rosanna House by InForm

A shared love for 1970s modernist architecture, synonymous with the local area, inspired the clients of Rosanna House to pair with InForm and create a contemporary design that complements the spirit and design language of the neighbouring buildings.

Situated on a sloping site, the gardens and house were each positioned to rest comfortably on the highest point of the natural topography. Exterior materials draw reference to local architecture, with locally-sourced reclaimed brickwork, white weatherboards and exposed timber pergolas framing the context in which this house sits. Throughout, steel window shrouds and screens and visible rainwater chains add depth, ensuring an adherence to mid-century design language. The colour palette is deliberately neutral, allowing the house an authentic spirit. The lightness of the weatherboard is contrasted against the solidity of the brickwork, whose robust materiality grounds the building and provides a sense of intimacy and protection in the private courtyards.

So as to maximise northern light, the home is oriented around a central courtyard, which also ensures a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. Large sliding doors open out into the garden, encouraging cross ventilation, as the kitchen and living areas overlook the pool in the southern courtyard and covered entertaining area to the north. The entertaining area also features a custom-designed smoker, offering a unique focal point to the otherwise loose and casual setting.

Situated on a sloping site, the gardens and house were each positioned to rest comfortably on the highest point of the natural topography.

To create a connection to the land, movement through the site was a key consideration. The low height verandah upon entering the house compresses the space to a human scale, with the ceiling gradually rising as one moves to the rear of the property. A lounge off to the side of the entry is accessed via two small steps, allowing for a seamless flooring change from concrete to carpet, creating a cosy ‘snug’ from which views of the pool, central courtyard and trees can be enjoyed.

To create a connection to the land, movement through the site was a key consideration.

Designing Rosanna House required a functional approach in catering to a family of four whilst adhering to the design language requested. With open plan living for day-to-day activity and private spaces for retreat, sensitivity to the character of the site, a timeless material palette and attention to the details and character of the modernist, 1970s vernacular, InForm successfully combines the essence of a mid-century home with the added benefits of a contemporary design approach.

InForm successfully combines the essence of a mid-century home with the added benefits of a contemporary design approach.

Designing Rosanna House required a functional approach in catering to a family of four whilst adhering to the design language requested.