A Mindful Multi-Generational Family Home In Clifton Hill

This impressive Clifton Hill household occupies a uniquely significant, 80 metre-extensive block for Melbourne’s internal northern suburbs.

But the dimensions also posed a problem for Clare Cousins Architects, who were being questioned to style a new home for a few and their 3 teenage daughters.

‘The shoppers required a household that could accommodate not only their each day life, but also be the foreseeable future house for an ageing guardian and checking out kinfolk,’ director Clare Cousins states.

To steer clear of disrupting the heritage look of the region, the style took cues from the site’s current publish-war cottage. Its old bricks were salvaged and integrated in the house’s identity, ‘offering a perception of permanence and small-servicing durability’.

One of the most striking features of Esplanade Property is its compartmentalised format, described by curved walls and unique wings — which merge at the heart of the house.

The entry is set back from the footpath powering a absolutely free-standing ‘utility building’ adorned with strike-and-overlook brickwork. It stores bikes and solar battery storage, but Clare notes how this intelligent addition also assures privateness for the entrance courtyard and northern wing of children’s bedrooms.

The entrepreneurs asked for that the residence appear ‘at ease’ among the the predominantly one-storey surrounding houses. This lead to a discrete next flooring that serves as the adult’s area, showcasing the main bed room and analyze. There’s also self-contained studio at the rear primed for company.

Inside of, sustainably sourced blackbutt timber complements the light-weight-filled residing areas. And the moody environmentally friendly joinery in the kitchen incorportates one particular of the family’s favourite colours.

The client’s adore of gardening was also central to the job. Walled gardens are broken up all around the sculptural architecture and a successful backyard is the practical centrepiece of the backyard.

‘The elongated program weaves the dwelling and the Fiona Brockhoff-created backyard collectively, offering numerous out of doors configurations and vistas from all rooms of the household, even though remaining sympathetic to its heritage context,’ Clare clarifies.

Esplanade House showcases how considerate household style can respect the previous, even though remaining firmly anchored in the current — and guaranteeing relevance properly into the foreseeable future.

See more of Clare Cousins Architects’ perform right here.