This is an ongoing project we are collaborating with Susan Dugdale & Associates, the client Larrakia Development Corporation and cultural advisory Larrakia Working Group to deliver the Larrakia Cultural Centre.
The Larrakia Cultural Centre (LCC) will be an important new development for the Larrakia people and the whole Darwin community. The site rests between the sacred site (Stokes Hill) and the sea. This is an essential relationship as the Larrakia are “saltwater people”. The LCC will proudly exhibit Larrakia culture and history in various ways to showcase Darwin’s ancient history as well as provide a place for Larrakia people to practice their living culture, including teaching and sharing Larrakia language.
Key Project Success Points:
Developing relationship and trust with the Larrakia Working Group and client Larrakia Development Corporation.
Developing design outcomes that met functional requirements while exceeding their conceptual and cultural needs and aspirations.
Paying respect and highlighting the relationship between the ancestral site and saltwater.
Intensive workshopping and stakeholder engagement to ensure there has been a very involved design development methodology that satisfies each individual in the group and resulted in enthusiastic feedback.
Pushing the design team and consultant team’s boundaries and skills to create a unique design.
Collaborative Methodology on this project:
The client, Larrakia Development Corporation (LDC) and LCC Working Group have been working together since 2017 to develop and deliver the project. To ensure we the architects undertake this project in a culturally appropriate way and deliver a design that will support their aspirations, it has been essential for LDC and the Working Group to guide us from the beginning and throughout the entire process.
Before any design work was initiated, multiple workshops were held to inform the sketch design and concept. Each stage involves questions back and forth and presentations to LDC and Working Group for their feedback. Feedback is captured directly into the design as it responsively develops. Sometimes this process requires multiple iterations until every Working Group and LDC member is satisfied with the outcome.
LDC and the LCC Working Group’s ongoing feedback has not only been essential in culturally and environmentally guiding the design but also in challenging us architects to push the boundaries in how the form and overall design can respond to their concept. We have been grappling with balancing technical requirements with their strong vision for the LCC. However, we are grateful and enthusiastic in how this process has shaped a unique and powerful outcome so far. We will continue to work as a collaborative team to ensure this dedicated methodology is maintained for the final outcome.
Mother Teresa Catholic Primary School was an exciting collaboration between Rossi Architects, Bennett Design and Walter Brooke & Associations which saw the creation of a whole new school for the new suburb of Zuccoli.
Inspired by Reggio Emilio principles, the learning areas seamlessly connect to both indoor and outdoor common spaces. This results in learning environments that are adaptable and that make the most of the ideal dry season conditions of the Top End.
Utilising a palette of neutral tones and natural materials the design also incorporates large screens along its facades to soften the appearance of the large building. These screens also act to reduce glare and heat load on the building while allowing the louvres to catch the higher natural breezes.
Internally, large sliding doors allow for dynamic control of the degree of connection between learning areas which include specialist common areas and advanced digital technologies.
The success of the school was recognised with reception of the 2019 Australian Institute of Architects NT Chapter Education Award.
In Development
The NT Department of Education selected Rossi Architects to design a new multipurpose hall for Darwin Middle School.
The underlying principles for the design of the hall centre around connectivity. From a large scale, the hall acts as a node, connecting Atkins Drive, the rest of the middle school and the adjacent oval. Through thoughtful design of the eastern façade Rossi Architects have provided a visually engaging, layered entry experience from Atkins Drive that lifts the presence and public profile of the middle school to passers-by and invites them into the school grounds.
Historically the site was occupied by the saw-tooth roofs of the old abattoir complex and large African mahogany trees. Both of these are referenced in the zig-zag roof-lines, tree canopy-like screens and trunk-like angled columns. The scale of the structure is in keeping with the context, yet the large bulk of the building is softened with the layering of shaded spaces around its perimeter. The material palette takes cues from the heritage tank building while minimising maintenance in the harsh coastal conditions.
The naturally lit sports courts support basketball, netball, badminton and indoor soccer but they also double as a space for public performances and whole of school assemblies. Dance, drama and band rooms with sprung floors are separated by 6m high operable walls which open to create a 196-seat theatrette with retractable seating, bio box, music store / green room serviced with stage lighting, sound bars and curtains. Other affordances include a rock-climbing wall, two connected general learning areas and staff preparation zones.
Above all, the Multipurpose Hall is a place for the future of learning in Darwin.
Rossi Architects were engaged by Halikos Construction (Design & Construct contractor) to design, develop and document the New Nightcliff Police Station located at the new John Stokes Square residential precinct in Nightcliff, Northern Territory. This was a continuation consultancy that further developed the design package established by Jackman Gooden Architects to further progress the design towards a construction package. The process included close consultancy with the stakeholder and end user groups to ensure lessons learnt from previous builds were applied and tried-and-tested solutions were implemented throughout the facility.
Working on a project of this nature required that quality control and robust coordination be maintained throughout all phases of the development in order to meet the client brief and technical requirements. Regular client meetings were held throughout, ensuring a transparent and inclusive process with all involved.
As the project abuts the proposed feature plaza spaces of the John Stokes Precinct, a large verandah was implemented along the northern and eastern facades, providing a civic presence to the precinct. The colourful vertical screens reference the bright colours of the famous Nightcliff foreshore and add visual interest to the public interface.
Rossi Architects collaborated with Clouston and Louw Group to develop a renewal strategy for the Nightcliff Village Shopping Centre.
The Nightcliff Village is located within a commercial and residential area of the beautiful Nightcliff suburb of Darwin city. The Village has been the location of the eclectic Sunday Nightcliff Markets since 1996 and also services a range of hospitality, retail, commercial and professional businesses throughout the week. Nightcliff Village provides a lush tropical shopping and market experience as the village has a wide central axis way that businesses and market stalls spill out onto. The Nightcliff Village is an essential part of Darwin’s commercial and civic fabric and is celebrated by locals and visitors.
Nightcliff Village’s existing eclectic nature is evident with a sort of haphazard collection of building styles expressed with various materials, signs, colours, awnings and services. These different styles articulate the history of the village and represent its present community of businesses. Vibrant art murals and lush tropical trees provide a strong sense of place.
Nightcliff Village is an important place that is part of the fabric of Darwin’s diverse multi-cultural community. The village welcomes both visitors and locals, especially on market days where the place becomes alive with food, fresh produce, plants, flowers, music, crafts and art.
Our project vision is to increase human comfort, provide universal access, activate the lane-ways including modifying vehicle access, increased shade trees / low vegetation, introduce shade structures while adding colour and vibrant lighting opportunities to activate the spaces day and night. The outcomes aimed at increasing commercial sustainability for the Monday to Friday businesses but also increase after hour activities and opportunities. In addition it was imperative that the Sunday market experience was elevated and expressed the eclectic nature of the precincts context.
Rossi Architects we engaged by the City of Darwin to manage the consultancy process for the development of a detailed vision and functional design brief. This was a complex process dealing with the entire CoD organisational structure focusing on function, relationships, working environments, best practice models and ensuring future proofing. Our consultancy required us to engage the CoD at all levels by conducting a series of workshops with the elected council, council staff and executives. Our deliverables included the preparation of a detailed accommodation schedule, functional design brief, workshop outcomes document and a vision concept to help inform the client group moving forward. This complex stakeholder group engagement process provided an excellent foundation to develop the project in the future.
Rossi Architects were engaged by Anglicare NT to design and document the fitout for a new headspace Palmerston facility. This project involved extensive workshopping with multiple user groups with a focus on youth members co-designing their various spaces. The design team balanced this with the national headspace corporate requirements as well as the staff’s needs and aspirations.
headspace nationally supports young peoples’ access to vital support services including, counselling, work and study, mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and drug services as well as providing some support to carers. Due to the sensitive nature of headspace’s work, the spatial psychology and level of stimulation was essential to balance the varied spatial functions. Through the codesign workshops and design development the following design requirements were essential:
Homely, personalised space that avoids any cold clinical feel
Biophilic design methodology with organic movement, access to natural light, natural materials/textures and including integrated plants/aquarium
Strong connection to Larrakia culture and place throughout the centre. This was achieved with connections to surrounding nature, Larrakia artwork integrated throughout, Larrakia elements and seasonal calendar inspiring themed spaces and various other parts of the design.
Spaces that allow for diverse sensory experiences and needs with adjustable lighting, audio control, colours, materials and textures.
Managing and balancing privacy and confidentiality without losing supervision from staff.
Fitting in the spatial program into a complicated cold shell.
Overall the design was focused on creating a safe, comfortable and inclusive environment.
Northern Territory Government, Department of Infrastructure, Planning & Logistics (DIPL)
Concept Design for Various Major NT Art Galleries
Rossi Architects were engaged by DIPL to develop several early concepts for both a new art gallery for Darwin and a new National Aboriginal Art Gallery in Alice Springs. The concepts were developed to test and compare the feasibility of the various locations proposed.
Working closely with DIPL we developed aspirational design concepts for a new major gallery on Herbert Street and at an alternate location on Civic Park to assist in building momentum to get these projects off the ground.
Key to the designs of both projects was the consideration of the climatic conditions and broader contexts of the sites. The concept design for the National Aboriginal Art Gallery was developed to give priority to the ANZAC Oval adjacent and to take consideration of Alice Springs’ extreme weather.
The Darwin art gallery concept utilised large tropical vine screens to provide shade, amenity and to blur the line between the surrounding landscape and the gallery itself. Key to the design was also the consideration of access from all sides in a way that still provided a formal sense of entry, fitting for Darwin’s premier art gallery.
Rossi Architects were engaged by Shape to design and develop PWC’s new office fit out at the Darwin Waterfront.
PWC had specific requirements to ensure the design outcome complimented both the broader corporate environment as well as representing their connection to the Traditional Owners of around the NT.
An open plan environment was sought with bespoke collaborative spaces strategically placed throughout the tenancy to provide privacy when required but also the ability for multi-disciplinary use if required.
Completed November 2021
Interiors by Andrea Rice Architects
Project in development
Northern Territory Government, Department of Education Project
Built By Halikos Construction
Completed 2019
Rossi Architects was the lead Architectural Consultant under a design and construct tender with Halikos Construction for Stage 1 works of Zuccoli Primary School. The scope included the new preschool, administration building, lower primary GLA, upper primary GLA, special education unit and multi-purpose resource centre. The design adhered to strict NTG requirements and guidelines ensuring optimum teaching environments for both student and staff.
Completed May 2021
In Development
In Development
Ridge Street Childcare Centre - In Construction
Muirhead Childcare Centre - Completed January 2022
Millner Childcare Centre - In Development
Proposed vision concept for an executive residence located in Fannie Bay along the East Point Road coastal reserve.
Rossi Architects were engaged by a private Darwin developer to prepare a concept submission for the new Darwin City Headquarters of the Northern Territory Government Department of Health. Working with a challenging brief the design solution integrates an existing heritage building located along the Smith Street Mall side of the property.
The proposal refurbishes the existing heritage building to accommodate new tenants. It also includes smaller boutique spaces within the new build. The ground level plan is designed to create a laneway which activated all sides of the heritage building while creating an element of interest to the entry experience.
The proposal accommodates all end of trip facilities and concierge components at ground floor, 4 storeys of car parking bays and 10 storeys of office floor plates. The proposal provides a modern and clean aesthetic, with large boxed feature elements brought through to offset the mass of the form.
In Construction
In Development
Completed January 2022
Northern Territory Government
Department of Education
The NT Catholic Education Office engaged Rossi Architects to come up with a way to best accommodate a new Middle and Senior School on a large property in Humpty Doo which houses the existing St. Francis of Assisi Primary School.
By looking beyond the immediate brief to consider the broader Humpty Doo community context we were able to identify the need for a community swimming pool. By incorporating a full 50m swimming pool at the boundary were able to provide a solution that not only exceeded the standard facilities available to a middle or senior school but also create much greater opportunities for community engagement by opening the pool up to the wider Humpty Doo community. This also created opportunities for additional funding streams accessible to the school in order to move ahead with the master plan.
Another strategic move utilised in the school plan was to share the major sports and administration facilities, again creating opportunities for controlled engagement of cohorts and maximising the financial benefits of shared facilities.
Individual buildings were laid out to define plazas and outdoor learning areas of various sizes. And by restricting vehicle access to perimeter of the property we were able to ensure the safety of students from vehicular traffic while also maximising ease of development in the future.
Rossi Architects were engaged by the NT Catholic Education Office to provide a master plan for Holy Family Catholic Primary School, a popular but small school in Karama, Darwin.
Beginning with an in-depth analysis, we interrogated the school’s physical and social context, values, internal structures and vision for pedagogy. Along with this, Rossi Architects facilitated workshops with the teaching staff and steering committee.
The development of a successful master plan begins with clearly identifying the problems to solve. As with many schools, Holy Family School had evolved over time with the addition of a few new buildings which had not been considered in conjunction with one another. The result was what is all too common in schools – the contradiction of, on one hand, the feeling of a lack of available teaching and learning space, and on the other, under-utilised facilities. The problem was that the under-utilised space lacked visual connection and physical proximity to the main learning spaces.
The answer Rossi Architects developed was to create a new campus heart which would gather staff and students together into a ring of facilities connected around a large roofed plaza. By removing an unused old storeroom, connections to the playground were reinstated and the admin building was reconfigured to address the new public entry to the school. This simple switch changed the atmosphere of the school’s front entry from that of a security checkpoint to that of the threshold into a new community plaza. And with the changed centre of gravity of the school, no longer did the library feel like a forgotten corner of the school.
Along with this consideration of the large macro scale, the finer grain of the school was also assessed, with recommendations on strategies for storage, furniture settings, maintenance and building services.
Moving forward, Holy Family School is now equipped with a clear vision of 21st Century learning to implement with confidence for its future.
Rossi Architects were engaged by the NT Government on behalf of Parap Primary School to develop a new master plan for the established school.
As is common in schools that have evolved over several decades, the campus was the result of many small interventions that had not been holistically developed; the result being a lack of connectivity between the facilities.
The scheme developed by Rossi Architects included a number of small interventions aimed at helping to break down some of these barriers to create a create a sense of connectivity within the school, fostering a learning environment where groups can easily move from one mode of learning to another with minimal effort.
One example of this was the proposed relocation of the bicycle store and caretaker’s residence to allow for the creation of a new central learning plaza which will provide a treed green space with covered outdoor learning areas and allow for greater visibility and ease of connection to the library.
Overall, we were proud to provide Parap Primary School with a clear vision to overcome the challenges of their historic campus.
Beautifully situated on the water’s edge at Cullen Bay, this Rossi Architects designed home is a striking residence that takes full advantage of its prime location.
Created for comfortable, stylish entertaining, the residence bounds a park, road, and water’s edge and takes in amazing panoramic views. The stunning two-story home features high-impact linear forms and large expanses of glazing to capture views of the water and the park.
On the water’s edge side of the home two story voids, large roof overhangs, and cantilevers create a dramatic, futuristic look that adds interest at every angle. A modern, minimalist front façade subtly hints at the high impact design style that unfolds and flows through the rest of the home.
Created for open plan living, the home was smartly planned for high environmental performance with low ‘e’ energy saving glass used throughout. A sweeping staircase adds curves and interest to dominant modern linear forms, while a mix of materials and textures from horizontal joint panelling and smooth rendered walls results in an incredible home with lasting impact.
Prominent Territory salon Kabuki Haircutters recently engaged Rossi Architects on a custom fit-out project for their new home.
Hoping to capture the charm that is Kabuki, the architect worked closely with the client to transform a dull and outdated office tenancy into a warm, rustic and refreshing salon experience.
The client had a very distinct vision for the salon that would emphasise the art of hair design.
A salon can be a very busy place which meant workflow was a critical consideration during the design phase. The architect played with existing volume and space to maximise function for staff, whilst still incorporating various zones throughout to provide a sense of intimacy for clients and differentiate space for different salon activities.
Playing with simple materials and palette choices, the salon was stripped back to its raw components including the original concrete and steel. Bold light fixtures hang dramatically from exposed ceilings to perfectly frame the work of each stylist.
The achromatic palette was an important design element to highlight a theatric salon centrepiece. Wrapped in a unique, Japanese-inspired wallpaper, the floating form above reception brings both the Kabuki personality and sheer volume of the space to life. This form also acts as storage, helping to maximise floor space and ensure Kabuki remains uncluttered.
By building a close relationship with the client Rossi Architects was able to exceed the brief and vision; consummating in a gallery-esque space that will act as a blank canvas for each and every Kabuki hair creation.
Centred around a plan to integrate the unbeatable Darwin environment and climate into its functionality, this home achieved every goal in the client’s vision.
Designed to account for a growing family, this aspirational home incorporates his and her utility spaces – such as a generous walk in robe and undercover boat and tackle storage.
Our client told us they wanted a focus on maximising outdoor living and aspects – and we delivered, designing living spaces overlooking the backyard, and indoor kitchen connected to an outdoor servery via stackable bi-fold doors.
An above ground planter box created interesting layers, soft outlook for the study and shade and privacy. A large backyard was purposefully allocated to encourage outdoor play and dedicated children’s bedrooms were incorporated into the plan, creating spaces that will continue to enhance family living throughout the years.
This elegant solution to functional living was delivered in the Rossi Architects signature modern style, featuring cantilevers and large void spaces to add visual interest and drama. Stylish copper wall panelling with express joints, laser cut aluminium screens, and window accents add the perfect finish.
Part of the Building the Education Revolution project, this multipurpose hall at a Catholic education school will reliably provide a valuable space for students and teachers for years to come.
Featuring a covered outdoor area with seating for parents and visitors this covered space will be used for sports, assemblies and general gatherings.
Its Bathurst Island location, north of Darwin, was an important design consideration – with the final product featuring a portal frame structure with metal cladding and masonry walls for a robust structure that will withstand the Top End’s weather.
Bold and distinctive colours lend the building a cheerful, contemporary appearance, and creates an enticing space for encouraging learning and socialising. High windows and large doors ensure maximum airflow and account for fire safety requirements.
In Development
Upmarket apartments minutes from the CBD, these Rossi Architect designed properties were snapped up off the plan by young families, professionals and investors.
Offering spacious verandas, large outlooks, and maximum privacy the design comfortably accommodates 21 dwellings without sacrificing a quality lifestyle.
Located on a perched site that incorporates harbour and city views, the clever positioning of each dwelling allows residents to take full advantage of the relaxed Darwin lifestyle and enjoy the benefits of apartment scale living.
Bold geometric forms are complemented by the masonry and metal clad walls, and coupled with contrasting colours provides an elegant, modern aesthetic to these incredibly liveable apartments.
Ngukurr Airstrip Shelter in development
This executive, state-of-the-art home boasts an incredible outlook, opulent finishings, and smart, modern design from Rossi Architects.
Built for a young family to grow into, a key part of the brief was to create separate living zones. To achieve this, Rossi Architects designed parent and children retreats and public and private wings for maximum privacy for both guests and the family. A grand central staircase and entry foyer adds drama and impact in addition to serving as the central connection point for joining the separate wings of the home.
Drawing from the family’s Mediterranean background, and taking inspiration from the size of the beautiful property, the design purposefully incorporates the external environment, with cross flow ventilation, outlooks and large expanses of glazing to bring the outside in. Large cantilevers add to the bold façade and provide street impact, shade and cover.
This remarkable home features a suspended plunge pool in the adult wing, and an external feature water fountain that flows from the first floor into the main pool.
The client, a renderer, is adding their own personal touch and expertise to the project with beautiful masonry finished walls and stone cladding highlights. For Rossi Architects, it has been a pleasure to work with the client to achieve their spectacular creative vision. We look forward to seeing the finish product!
After being engaged to rezone a property from single to multiple dwellings, Rossi Architects created a fresh new perspective on urban beachside living.
Our solution created two levels of living – ground level courtyard and upper level terrace. The four new dwellings are the ultimate in functional living, with a central driveway and car park zone offering underground parking for each three-bedroom luxury unit.
Large overhangs throughout create sectional spaces that add interest and privacy while still maintaining an overall cohesive, flowing look. The contemporary design lends itself to relaxed tropical living, with plenty of large open spaces to maximise light and airflow.
A mixture of rendered walls, metal clad panels, expressed wall panels and accents of natural timbers provide warmth to this modern, tropical form and are the perfect materials to showcase the intricacy and creativity of Rossi Architects design.
Unique landscaping solutions were incorporated throughout with perimeter planter boxes and aluminium screening providing privacy between the dwellings.
Smart design maximises environmental performance. This Bayview duplex is a stunning example of how nature and built structures can be integrated for an optimal outcome.
These two four-bedroom duplexes feature zoned living – with parent and children retreats. A modern, minimalist solution, the emphasis in the design is on energy efficiency, through smart use of materials such as masonry walls and prefinished insulated metallic panels on the walls and roof.
A mix of level changes creates an alfresco entertaining and pool area on level one of the complex and enables an interesting undercroft aspect to the lower bedrooms.
Local to Darwin, Rossi Architects understands the unique environment in the Top End and created an open plan design with connectivity to the outdoors that is a true highlight of this contemporary design.
Northern Territory Government
Department of Education
Two new four-bedroom luxury townhouses have transformed the streetscape following this project to rezone a site from single to multiple dwellings.
Situated in the sought after suburb of Larrakeyah, the design meets the brief of executive living, offering an open plan, spacious rooms, two story voids and dramatic entry and staircase areas for a striking point of interest.
Direct connectivity to a large outdoor entertaining area takes full advantage of Darwin’s tropical climate and the stunning harbour views, while almost every window offers a view of greenspace.
Outstanding for function as well as style, the aesthetic of the complex is finished by a mix of rendered walls, expressed panelling, clean roof forms, large cantilevers and a monochrome palate.
Metal roofing and steel building product specialists Steeline GRP turned to Rossi Architects to create a stunning, impactful street presence at their existing Darwin office.
Working in partnership with our client, we created a bold look that perfectly showcases Steeline’s materials and products. On the street frontage Steeline steel with a vertical corrugated pattern works in partnership with the sharp angles and straight lines of a sawtooth-style roof to create a look that is completely modern, yet retains links to traditional industrial aesthetic.
The project included renovation of an existing warehouse facility, which blended the old with new seamlessly. Key considerations of the warehouse development included strategically placing workshop machinery to ensure optimal and efficient use of space. The result is a purpose built facility that delivered on the client’s brief and goal for an efficient, functional work environment, and which creates a memorable first impression for Steeline visitors.
