A Mindful Multi-Generational Family Home In Clifton Hill

Audrey J. Powers

This spectacular Clifton Hill household occupies a uniquely massive, 80 metre-very long block for Melbourne’s interior northern suburbs.

But the dimensions also posed a challenge for Clare Cousins Architects, who had been requested to layout a new household for a pair and their a few teenage daughters.

‘The clients required a property that could accommodate not only their day-to-day life, but also be the foreseeable future household for an ageing parent and traveling to relations,’ director Clare Cousins says.

To stay away from disrupting the heritage seem of the spot, the structure took cues from the site’s present post-war cottage. Its outdated bricks had been salvaged and incorporated in the house’s id, ‘offering a feeling of permanence and very low-routine maintenance durability’.

A person of the most placing elements of Esplanade Household is its compartmentalised structure, outlined by curved walls and distinctive wings — which merge at the heart of the dwelling.

The entry is established again from the footpath behind a totally free-standing ‘utility building’ adorned with strike-and-miss brickwork. It stores bikes and photo voltaic battery storage, but Clare notes how this clever addition also ensures privateness for the front courtyard and northern wing of children’s bedrooms.

The owners requested that the residence seem ‘at ease’ amid the predominantly single-storey surrounding properties. This direct to a discrete second floor that serves as the adult’s domain, that includes the principal bedroom and review. There’s also self-contained studio at the rear primed for visitors.

Inside of, sustainably sourced blackbutt timber enhances the light-stuffed residing areas. And the moody eco-friendly joinery in the kitchen incorportates a person of the family’s favourite colours.

The client’s like of gardening was also central to the undertaking. Walled gardens are damaged up around the sculptural architecture and a productive yard is the functional centrepiece of the yard.

‘The elongated system weaves the property and the Fiona Brockhoff-created backyard collectively, offering different outdoor settings and vistas from all rooms of the house, though remaining sympathetic to its heritage context,’ Clare explains.

Esplanade Home showcases how considerate dwelling style and design can respect the previous, although remaining firmly anchored in the existing — and making certain relevance very well into the potential.

See far more of Clare Cousins Architects’ get the job done listed here.

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