Sculpted Motion – Hearth in the Well by Luigi Rosselli Architects, Arent&Pyke and S&A Stairs

Inspired by the familiar warmth of a family home, Hearth in the Well is refocused on connection and coming together. Luigi Rosselli Architects, Arent&Pyke and S&A Stairs work together to bring the dwelling to life, combining existing heritage elements with new gestures that encourage flow and a sense of escapism.

With any pre-existing residence, there are a number of inherited characteristics, both from the original designer’s intent through to the additions and customisations made by the various custodians over time. In purposefully binding the home to the site, Luigi Rosselli Architects ensures a more central realignment is created, playing with changing levels to create moments of intimacy and retreat. Hearth in the Well takes its name from the newly formed sunken living space that pivots off from the fireplace and is openly connected to the kitchen, dining and outdoor garden. Arent&Pyke then layers warmth and depth through texture, whilst S&A Stairs introduces a crafted approach.

Fluidity plays a vital role in all of the inserted gestures within the residence, allowing the more linear and outer walls to sit contrastingly as a result.

Spanning several levels, the newly formed, continuously curved handrail system by S&A Stairs communicates the handmade and crafted styles set out by the architectural team. Extending the legacy of heritage elements of the home into a more contemporary relatability, the stairs sit as their own sculptural addition, with the custom leather-wrapped handrail adding a tactual sensation to moving vertically through a space. Fluidity plays a vital role in all of the inserted gestures within the residence, allowing the more linear and outer walls to sit contrastingly as a result. Integral to the reworking of the residence was the relocation of the garage underground, freeing up the centre of the home on the most liveable level.

Bringing the personality of the owners together with the home’s existing character was key. A layered and subtle approach emphasises the curved elements, whilst unique patterning is used amid a muted base palette to ensure a classical timelessness resides. In preparing for future chapters, allowing for the full utilisation of the site became a driving factor, both internally and between inside and out. Encased in surrounding walls of glass, the open living, dining and kitchen space naturally spills out into the dedicated outdoor entertaining zones, bringing optimal natural light and ventilation into the dwelling in the process.

A layered and subtle approach emphasises the curved elements, whilst unique patterning is used among a muted base palette to ensure a classical timelessness resides.

Embracing its original artisanal nature, Hearth in the Well emphasises an overarching calm. Luigi Rosselli Architects, Arent&Pyke and S&A Stairs ensure the character of the home remains whilst bringing a natural connection from the surrounds inward.