Harry and Penelope Seidler House

The Harry and Penelope Seidler House is a modernist residential building in Killara that extends across four levels connected by a central staircase. The structure follows the natural slope of the land toward a creek and waterfall at the base, with a swimming pool added in the 1970s completing the design.

The house was designed and built by Harry and Penelope Seidler between 1966 and 1967, earning the Wilkinson Award from the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. This recognition confirmed its importance in Australian architectural history.

The house displays Norwegian quartzite stone floors and Tasmanian oak ceilings paired with furniture by Marcel Breuer, Eero Saarinen, and Charles Eames. These carefully chosen materials and pieces shape the character of the spaces and reflect the residents' design sensibility.

Access requires planning since the house sits on sloped land and can only be visited on guided tours. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes as you will explore the different levels and stairs.

The house rests on three rows of vertical reinforced white concrete piers that support suspended concrete floors and create open vertical spaces. These innovative supports form a distinctive visual element that emphasizes the floating quality of the structure.

Location: Killara

Location: Sydney

Official opening: 1967

GPS coordinates: -33.75930,151.16600

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:25