Modernist Bellevue Hill trophy Oculus hits the market
The Bellevue Hill trophy home Oculus has been listed for sale with $15 million hopes following a full scale renovation.
The distinctive curved home was originally built in the 1960s by architect Frank Fox.
It was later renovated and remodelled by Tzannes Associates in collaboration with interior designers Juliette Arent and Sarah-Jane Pyke of Arent & Pyke Interior Designs.
Landscape design guru William Danger lent his hand to the 940 sqm Victoria Road gardens.
Oculus went on to win a Commendation in Residential Architecture Houses at the NSW Australian Institute of Architecture Awards following the works.
"Bellevue Hill residence as reimagined by Tzannes Associates explores the existing potential of a distinctive, perhaps even iconic, 1960s Frank Fox house," the jury citation read.
"It embraces its eccentricities and deftly resolves its many compromises and shortcomings to create a home suitable for 21st century living."
"The jury felt the architect and client, in collaboration with their builder, are to be commended on the finely detailed and drafted conservation and adaptation of a challenging and idiosyncratic 1960s building – one of many buildings of this period which may not enjoy legislative heritage protection but are worthy of preservation."
Last traded for $6.7 million in 2008, Oculus kept a number of key architectural elements from Fox's design.
"The residence was extensively remodelled in a manner sympathetic to its mid-century character," Tzannes Architects advised.
"New external elements are carefully integrated within the existing envelope.
"Except a small extension to the living room terrace, the footprint and the form of the building remain original."
The circular geometry and partly domed roof opens the home to natural light.
A cantilevered steel canopy features above the curving form of the upper balcony. Timber blades have been designed to reduce heat gain in summer and maximise sunlight in the winter.
An internal lift connects the two levels.
Oculus has six bedrooms, five bathrooms, and a state of the art timber and stone island kitchen that opens through concealed sliding doors to the open plan living and dining areas.
A Hills Fig tree sits in the landscaped grounds where there's also a swimming pool.
Sydney Sotheby's agent Michael Pallier has the listing.
It is being offer at $15 million by Jillian Gower, wife of former Goldman Sachs partner Philip Moffit.