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Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon

In 
Design Stories
January 5, 2024
More in INSPIRATION
Man of Steel : Tribute to Designer Michael Draper
Man of Steel : Tribute to Designer Michael Draper

The moneyshot view of Rose Seidler House, showing off the ramp walkway to the side and the light, elevated living spaces in the manner of Le Corbusier's earlier work and the International Modern Style

Sydney is a city filled with the work of great architects from the modern era. Recently we filled up a whole weekend touring the city by foot and by train to as many sites as we could manage and a lucky tie in with the opening weekend of a Kandinsky exhibition from the Guggenheim Collection.

On the only day it's open to public viewing, Sunday, we took a 40 minute train ride up to Wahroonga on Sydney's North Shore to Rose Seidler House (1948–50), designed by Austrian born Harry Seidler for his parents. The home became a huge success and helped establish him in the city with a growing base of clients who had come to see the most contemporary home in the city at the time.

Years ago we found out about the architect Harry Seidler and his impact on architecture, particularly in Australia at the Design and Architecture Film Festival. It's remained a dream ever since to visit the famous home. We think it's a must see destination for any South Pacific dwelling architecture lover.

Sydney is a city filled with the work of great architects from the modern era. Recently we filled up a whole weekend touring the city by foot and by train to as many sites as we could manage and a lucky tie in with the opening weekend of a Kandinsky exhibition from the Guggenheim Collection.

On the only day it's open to public viewing, Sunday, we took a 40 minute train ride up to Wahroonga on Sydney's North Shore to Rose Seidler House (1948–50), designed by Austrian born Harry Seidler for his parents. The home became a huge success and helped establish him in the city with a growing base of clients who had come to see the most contemporary home in the city at the time.

Years ago we found out about the architect Harry Seidler and his impact on architecture, particularly in Australia at the Design and Architecture Film Festival. It's remained a dream ever since to visit the famous home. We think it's a must see destination for any South Pacific dwelling architecture lover.

The moneyshot view of Rose Seidler House, showing off the ramp walkway to the side and the light, elevated living spaces in the manner of Le Corbusier's earlier work and the International Modern Style

Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon

The famous mural Harry Seidler designed and painted in a Joan Miro style with a sense of loose but geometric forms

Rose Seidler House, a masterpiece of mid-20th-century modernist architecture, stands as a testament to the innovative vision of its architect, Harry Seidler. Commissioned by Harry's parents, Max and Rose Seidler, the house is an iconic representation of the International Style in Australia. Built between 1948 and 1950, Rose Seidler House is not only a family home but a groundbreaking statement that challenged traditional architectural norms and introduced a new era of design to the country.

Harry Seidler, born in Vienna and educated at Harvard, brought a wealth of international influences to his work, drawing inspiration from the likes of Bauhaus and other modernist movements. His design philosophy centered around functionality, simplicity, and a harmonious integration of form and function. In Rose Seidler House, these principles are vividly manifested in every aspect of the design.

The geometric and bold exterior of the house is a signature of Harry Seidler's modernist approach. The flat roof, horizontal lines, and expansive glass walls reflect a commitment to openness and a seamless connection between the interior and the surrounding environment. The decision to elevate the house on slender pilotis not only creates a sense of weightlessness but also challenges traditional notions of a solid foundation.

Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon

Grasshopper Chairs by Eero Sarrinen (1946) with the full height fireplace to create delineation between spaces yet provide an open feel

Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon

Eames DCM Chairs and custom cabinetry details add structure and functional elements

The house is an iconic representation of the International Style in Australia ... not only a family home but a groundbreaking statement that challenged traditional architectural norms and introduced a new era of design to the country.

Internally, Seidler's emphasis on open-plan living spaces is evident. The fluidity between rooms encourages a sense of spatial continuity, blurring the distinctions between various areas of the house. The incorporation of large windows not only floods the interior with natural light but also frames picturesque views of the lush landscape, effectively bringing the outdoors inside.

Color plays a crucial role in Harry Seidler's design language, and Rose Seidler House is no exception. The use of primary colors, both in the exterior elements and interior furnishings, adds a vibrant and playful dimension to the overall aesthetic. This attention to color not only contributes to the visual impact of the house but also reflects Seidler's commitment to creating dynamic and engaging living spaces.

Today, Rose Seidler House is a preserved historical site managed by the Historic Houses Trust of New South Wales. It continues to serve as a living testament to Harry Seidler's pioneering spirit and enduring impact on Australian architecture, inviting visitors to experience the brilliance of one of the country's most influential architects.

Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon

Progressive kitchen design with vibrant colour panelling to the cabinetry and up to the minute technology in modern appliances

Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon

Dining setting fitted with additional Eames DCM Chairs (1946)

Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon
Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon
Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon
Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon

Exterior colour details reflect the verandah mural and the colour applied throughout the design

Rose Seidler House : Modernist Sydney Architectural Icon
From 
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Featured Designer : John Crichton
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Featured Designer : John Crichton
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