Rose Seidler House

A couple of weeks ago, we had the pleasure of visiting the Rose Seidler House, designed by the Austrian-Canadian-American-Australian architect, Harry Seidler. I guess you can say Seidler moved around a lot but in 1948, at the young age of 25, while Seidler was living in America, he was offered his first Australian commission by his parents, later named the Rose Seidler House. Realizing the opportunities and possibilities available to him Down Under, he packed up his things and set up shop in Sydney (Sounds familiar? Except for the part about being 25).

Seidler became one of the most influential ‘Australian’ architects, introducing Bauhaus modernist principals into the Australian architecture landscape. Having worked for architects such as Marcel Breuer and Oscar Niemeyer, he had proper training and an impressive CV.  He built an estimated 180 buildings, spanning from 1948 to the present (even though he passed away in 2008, his office is still in full operation, run by his wife Penelope).

I have always been a fan of Seidler but the visit to the Rose Seidler House was confirmation. The house, only a 10 minute drive from where Kate grew up is located in Wahroonga. Nestled in a forested landscape (known here as ‘the bush’) a pristine white box, sits atop a sandstone foundation (more on sandstone in a later post).

It is about bringing the outside inside and vice versa, which is further demonstrated by the expansive windows and external courtyard which cuts away at the white mass to expose a colourful mural (also designed by Seidler). There are six different entrances to the house, the most dramatic being a steep ramp (which I do not think would pass handicap codes, at least those in the US) that leads to the external terrace. There is a constant feeling that you are floating within the trees. An in-depth description can be found here.

Although Seidler passed away in 2008, his exuberant presence lives all around Sydney. From the houses in North Sydney to the controversial Blues Point Tower which, according to the Wikipedia description “has been scientifically proven to be the ugliest building in Sydney (and indeed the Southern Hemisphere).”  I actually love it. I also have the pleasure of seeing the Horizon Apartments every day; a strange, almost sci-fi-like 43-story tower located in Darlinghurst. Whether you love or hate his work, one cannot help but appreciate it. Seidler’s portfolio is truly inspiring and therefore a trip to the Rose Seidler House should be added to your hit list.

From left: Killara House, Blues Point Tower, Horizon Apartments

The Rose Seidler House is open on Sunday’s from 10am-5pm and well worth the 20 minute drive from the Sydney CBD. Click here for more info.