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Rosebery Residence by David Parsons Architect
Revitalising a Californian bungalow, David Parsons Architect combines classic charm with contemporary sensibilities to create a light-filled urban oasis for a young professional couple.
The owners of a Californian bungalow in the Sydney suburb of Rosebery approached David Parsons Architect with a very clear brief: to restore and maintain the existing period dwelling and create an extension at the rear, one with a resort-style feel. “We crafted a new contemporary addition over two levels, with an open-plan living space at ground level connecting to the rear garden and pool,” says David Parsons. “Upstairs, there’s a spare bedroom and new main suite which provides a luxurious escape for the owners.”
To engender the sense of an urban oasis, two existing palm trees at the rear were retained and the pool area features an elegant cabana with rooftop garden. “The cabana provides opportunities for entertaining and the green roof creates an insulated thermal mass above the garage,” Parsons says. “Hidden within the cabana is a second bathroom, clad in emerald-green stick tiles which work beautifully with the curved nature of the walls.”
On the ground floor, the new kitchen, living and dining space features a simple concrete floor and white walls and ceilings. “Large walls of glass and high-level windows bring northern and eastern morning light to the space.” The kitchen’s timber veneer joinery marries with the shiplap cladding at the exterior of the building, which carries through to the pool and cabana beyond.
“Tesla Powerwall 3, combined with solar panels, has created a more sustainable home, allowing the owners to essentially ‘live on sunshine’.”
Upstairs, Parsons has created a sanctuary for the clients, “which offers a high level of luxury through upholstered bedheads and built-in robe joinery. The ensuite has an abundance of natural light thanks to a skylight over the twin showers and windows to the street, which offer privacy but plenty of light and ventilation.” The roof’s hip and gable roof form was “designed to maintain sunlight to the pool and features a dormer window which overlooks the pool.”
Sustainability was a key consideration for Rosebery Residence. “The owners have three EVs [electric vehicles] and air conditioning and pool heating plus the normal energy needs of a home – so there was a high demand on power. Tesla Powerwall 3, combined with solar panels, has created a more sustainable home, allowing the owners to essentially ‘live on sunshine’.”
Walking through the home, multiple skylights welcome natural light into the spaces and offer glimpses of the swaying palm trees beyond. Maximising sunlight via 3D modelling was imperative for the design. “We worked through various massing options that looked at different times of the year and different hours later into the afternoon to make sure solar access was maintained to the building and the pool as much as possible.”
The light is just one aspect that makes Rosebery Residence feel more like a resort than an inner-city home. “I’m really proud that the clients have a space that’s an urban oasis to retreat to from their busy lifestyles,” reflects Parsons.
Architecture by David Parsons Architect. Build by Pacmac. Landscape design by Tanya Wood Landscape Architecture. Powerwall by Tesla. Production by The Local Production.
