Softened Formality – Ultramarine by Decus and Luigi Rosselli Architects
Embedding the ease of coastal living into an existing Federation home, Decus and Luigi Rosselli Architects adopt a nature-focused approach to expand on the interior volumes of Ultramarine. The team combines to pay homage to the home’s original detailing and craft elements that express the owner’s personality.
Surrounded by cliff faces, sand and water, Ultramarine is inspired by its location, becoming an aesthetic blend of these contrasting elements. Located in Mosman, the renovations and additions to the existing heritage home ensure a more open sensibility is felt throughout. By dissolving some of the original form and separation, and funnelling movement into a newly carved shared living zone, the reworked residence feels contemporary and reflective of the owners. With architecture by Luigi Rosselli Architects and interior design by Decus, the primary aim of the home was to create a feeling of calm.
Drawing from the Federation era-design of the original, crafted elements are integrated into the new through custom joinery, selections in furniture, lighting and artwork. In disguising the amenity and storage, the attention is focused on openness and flow. Overlooking the ocean in the distance, an expansive deck allows the living area to extend outward and for natural ventilation and light to be brought in. Framed vistas then create portals to the views in the distance whilst still providing a sense of enclosure within.
With a palette formed from various tones of blue and grey, together with warm timber, leather and brass, an elevated interpretation of the coast is interwoven. The expansion sees an additional level relocate the primary bedroom and ensuite, as an optimisation of the ocean aspect, with sightlines considered from all angles. A central courtyard creates a lightwell and brings natural light into depths of the home. Throughout, subtle arches from the original structure are brought into the transition spaces, accentuating a softened movement, with a similar organic fluidity felt in the combined living zones. By bringing a deliberate resilience across the new and embedding elements such as timber wall panelling, natural stone and waxed plaster, each surface either encourages interaction or facilitates function.
By bringing complementary curves together with linear gestures, Ultramarine is overlaid with unique touchpoints throughout to provide elements of the unexpected. Decus and Luigi Rosselli Architects bring warmth and openness to both the existing and the new whilst connecting to the ocean beyond.
