Hidden Home: A Masterpiece of Underground Architecture by Luigi Rosselli Architects

A Visionary Approach to Preserving Heritage Through Underground Architecture

Hidden Home, a remarkable residential project by Luigi Rosselli Architects, redefines underground architecture by seamlessly integrating modern design with historical preservation. Located in Neutral Bay, North Sydney, this grand residence was originally designed in 1889 by Walter Liberty Vernon, an influential architect known for his work on Sydney’s Central Station and the Art Gallery of New South Wales. The transformation of this heritage-listed home required a careful balance between contemporary functionality and architectural conservation, leading to an innovative subterranean expansion that enhances the property while keeping its historical essence intact.

A Subterranean Expansion That Blends with History

The primary challenge in redesigning Hidden Home was to expand the residence without disrupting its historical charm or consuming the remaining garden space. To achieve this, the architects demolished a more recent garage addition and introduced a four-level underground structure, preserving the integrity of the original home while adding modern amenities. The result is a seamless blend of old and new, where contemporary living spaces exist beneath the surface, maintaining the historical aesthetic of the Victorian-era residence above.

The upper level of the new addition houses a state-of-the-art kitchen, dining area, and sitting room, which open onto a lush rooftop garden. The lower levels contain an array of luxurious features, including a wine cellar, gym, massage room, sauna, spa, and a stunning subterranean swimming pool. Designed to evoke a cryptic atmosphere, the pool was excavated from Sydney’s characteristic sandstone rock ledges, with parabolic arches that ensure structural efficiency and visual elegance.

Cryptic Architecture: A Hidden Solution for Urban Expansion

The concept of cryptic or underground architecture has long been used to preserve heritage structures while adapting them to modern needs. Examples of this approach include I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre in Paris and Tadao Ando’s Fabrica project in Venice. Luigi Rosselli Architects have applied this philosophy to Hidden Home, demonstrating how underground expansion can enhance historical buildings without compromising their original form.

Despite its architectural and environmental benefits, underground architecture faces resistance in many parts of Australia. While large-scale public projects like underground road systems are widely approved, residential subterranean designs often encounter restrictions. However, North Sydney Council has recognized the advantages of this approach, particularly in areas with steep rock formations, where underground spaces can accommodate essential facilities such as garages, plant rooms, and water storage without disrupting the landscape.

A Garden That Bridges Victorian and Contemporary Aesthetics

One of the defining elements of Hidden Home is its garden, which blends Victorian landscaping traditions with modern subtropical planting. Designed by William Dangar of Dangar Barin Smith, the garden preserves the historical affinity for manicured lawns while incorporating lush, contemporary greenery. This approach enhances the home’s natural connection to its surroundings, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Interior designer Romaine Alwill played a crucial role in ensuring that the home’s interiors reflect the architectural evolution of the late-Victorian era. By blending modernist and classic elements, the design pays homage to the transitional phase between ornate Victorian aesthetics and the cleaner, more refined Queen Anne style. The result is a sophisticated interior that respects the home’s heritage while embracing contemporary living.

An Architectural Statement on Sustainability and Innovation

Hidden Home exemplifies how underground architecture can offer sustainable solutions for urban living. By utilizing subterranean spaces, the design minimizes land consumption while maximizing functionality. The integration of natural stone, efficient structural forms, and strategically placed skylights reduces energy consumption and enhances the overall environmental performance of the home.

Through thoughtful planning and innovative design, Luigi Rosselli Architects have successfully created a residence that embodies the best of both historical preservation and modern architecture. Hidden Home stands as a testament to the potential of underground architecture, offering a model for future residential developments that seek to balance heritage conservation with contemporary luxury.

All Photographs are works of Prue Ruscoe, Piers Haskard