Terra Firma by Luigi Rosselli Architects

Situated in Longueville, Sydney, Terra Firma is the embodiment of its owners and a gesture of permanence. Luigi Rosselli Architects applies a respectful response to site by creating a modest facade and using natural materials and tones to reflect the locale.

The residence’s form and materiality take inspiration from the iconic sandstone cliffs nearby and communicate an immersion in place by bringing the natural palette inward. Home to a family of sailors, the dwelling is made to feel like a safe harbour – grounded within the earth and unshakable to the elements. With views that stretch out to the water, and the hum of the boats moving in the foreground, the owners are constantly connected to the ocean. The physical form proposed by Luigi Rosselli Architects becomes a counter to the ebb and flow of the water with a solidity that reinforces the home as a protective shelter.

The residence’s form and materiality take inspiration from the iconic sandstone cliffs nearby and communicate an immersion in place by bringing the natural palette inward.

Having worked with Luigi Rosselli Architects years prior on a home in Cottage Point, the owners felt confident in their shared values with the team. The home sits elevated and perched out over Sydney Harbour and uses verticality to optimise the views outward and increase opportunities to bring natural light deeper into the interior. In breaking up the overall form, the exterior of each level is expressed through differing materials. The rammed-earth base echoes the warmth of the nearby sandstone and is the first experience of material engagement. Moving upwards, the colour and tone of the masonry is light and a greater permeability punches through the building envelope to connect to views.

Glazing is set back from the outer edge to mediate heat and light. These transition spaces allow air, light and sounds of the harbour to be experienced while having an element of shelter. The raw, rough finish of the masonry is balanced by the smoother textures and clean lines of the interior. An important chapter of the home is one of reuse – the bricks from the original cottage on site were salvaged and reused, applied alongside recycled terracotta roof tiles and the integration of solar, water and energy capture.

The physical form proposed by Luigi Rosselli Architects becomes a counter to the ebb and flow of the water with a solidity that reinforces the home as a protective shelter.

Creating both moments of fluidity and solidity, Terra Firma captures the best of its environment and the personalities of its owners. Luigi Rosselli Architects celebrates self-expression by weaving a distinct character into the enduring form.

Architecture by Luigi Rosselli Architects. Interior design by Cave + Reid Design. Build by Buildability Constructions. Landscape design by Nelson Thomas.  Engineering by Partridge.  Joinery by Design by Sergio.