How Luigi Rosselli designed Bellevue Hill's Ladera apartments

Legendary architect Luigi Rosselli only had to look next door when he was tasked with designing Ladera, the newest apartment development in Bellevue Hill.

Ladera, a collection of just eight apartments, stands as a non-identical twin to its neighbouring Benelong Apartments, another project designed by Luigi Rosselli Architects in the mid-2000s.

While Ladera surpasses its sibling in scale and grandeur, the two buildings share a cascading typology, with a harmonious colour and material palette, perched perfectly to capture the views of Sydney Harbour.

The architecture follows the contours of its hillside locale, blending seamlessly into the natural surrounds while recalling the terraced hillsides of the Italian coast. 

"I was contacted by the developer who was very responsive to my architecture and my previous designs, and how I treat materials and space," Rosselli said.

"We have built quite a lot of work in Sydney, acquiring a good reputation along the way. We create spaces that people will like to live in," Rosselli said. 

Ladera literally translates to hillside, but Rosselli says its truest translation relates it to the place.

"With great views of the harbour, I call it a theatre; nestled on the hillside, stepping down with layers, with each floor benefitting from it’s own terrace." 

Internally, Ladera greets its residents with an earthy palette, adorned with textured materials that exude a sense of warmth and luxury. Crafted timber joinery and elegant marble finishes complement the natural beauty of off-form concrete ceilings, resulting in an environment that exudes natural elegance and comfort.

Floor-to-ceiling glass walls open up to generous north-facing balconies, providing an unobstructed panorama, with the balconies serving not just as a visual treat but also as spaces to unwind and bask in the beauty of Sydney's skyline.

"It is a building designed to be environmentally positive. It has recycled materials in it, solar panels, double glazing, so it has all these features that make it a much more sustainable apartment building, which is important for the next generations," Rosselli added.

Beyond the lavish interiors, Ladera's exteriors offer a retreat of privacy and tranquility. Fluted concrete edge beams, thoughtfully designed, provide ample awnings to shield residents from the midday sun while ensuring their privacy remains intact.

Adding to the allure is the pool area, surrounded by lush tropical landscaping that creates an ambiance of absolute indulgence.