Architecture is not all about the design of the builing and nothing else, it is also about the cultural setting and the ambience, the whole affair’. –Michael Grave. A walk past the cottage mansion in the town of Randwick, New South Wales gives a glance of the quiet pool house that reveals not much from outside. However, a glimpse of blue that shines from behind the sheltered parking veranda creates curiousity for one to explore what lies behind. Designed by Luigi Rosselli Architects, the new two-storey structure is an extension to the old cottage that acts as an architectural pivot binding one hundred years of history.

Respecting the family’s request to save the original street frontage of the cottage, Luigi Rosselli Architects managed to beautifully blend two utterly variant architectural sensibilities into one site. Although the old block had history and charm, what held the family members back to utilize the complete potential of the exterior space was its poor design. A solution to this, an extremely dramatic outdoor environment was designed, that has a very welcoming approach, while maintaining the intergrity of both the new and the old block. Though the old and new blocks portray their individuality, they showcase two different eras forming a new asthetic together.

The two blocks are fused subtly with a eloquent palette of materials and colours, tiles, bricks and timber cladding while the pool helps to soften the merging of these two starkly variant structures. The pool hugs the new extention as it narrates the evolution of the design and the adaption of the new connotations of the cottage giving the whole new creation the look of a floating houseboat. The pool however, helps to keep the microclimate of the house cool.

Glass Mosaic tiles inside the pool gives a natural shimmer to the water which casts reflections on the soffits and ceilings creating unique light effects.

The carport, an extension to the front verandah, exposes traditional rafters and ceiling lining boards that completes the verandah and is held together by a moat that loops around flowing below the cantilevered overhang providing a sense of balance. The extension however reinforces the street presence and proportions.

The new house, a tinge of modern architecture, has an open-plan with living and dining areas flexible in use and dimensions. The rooms are spacious enough with an excess of shelving and hidden storage, unlike the previous house.

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A shift in the two volumes of the new house creates a generous cantilevered first floor master bedroom fulfilling the purpose of providing shade and a rainproof cover to the outdoor terrace. The planning is such that the windows of the back elevation of the Master Bedroom is intended to direct away from the side neighbours.