Nestled among the tree lined streets of Woollahra, New South Wales, lies this recent restoration / renovation of a old Victorian home. Led by Luigi Rosselli Architects in collaboration with interior designer Lisa Droga of Decus Interiors, the project was first addressed by striping the existing home back to its original glory. From there, a dramatic winding staircase was incorporated to interweave the historic dwelling with its new kitchen, family room, study and staff quarters – all housed in a distinctly contemporary addition.

The home’s material palette of wide oak floorboards and classic marble was chosen for its timeless appeal, while the universally whitewashed walls were implemented to accentuate the Victorian home’s grandeur and lush green harbor views just outside. Furnishings and decorative accessories were kept to a minimum with a few dramatic sculptural pieces incorporated – notably several fixtures by Manhattan based designer Lyndsey Adleman.

This project serves as part of Luigi Rosselli Architects’ ongoing investigation into heritage architecture as a process of organic growth. His specific focus lies in the evolution of historical structures through the incorporation of stylistically distinct and temporally authentic architectural and design interventions.

Photography by Justin Alexander & Edward Birch