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The Esplanade
The Esplanade
Brighton, Australia
Project of the Day on Mar 21, 2014
Project Featured on Mar 21, 2014
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The Esplanade
Brighton, Australia
Project of the Day on Mar 21, 2014
Project Featured on Mar 21, 2014
The residence was conceived as a response to several defining constraints, ultimately resulting in a product that surpassed both architectural form and interior finish expectations while redefining the possibilities of achieving space, light and ambiance within a narrow, lengthy, cigar-shaped site. Perched on funnel-like land with a kaleidoscopic view of the bay at one end, we were challenged to treat the interiors as non-discrete elements that were subtly differentiated within the boundaries of the design.
The dwelling contains three levels, with primary living spaces occupying areas that spill out externally or otherwise command unrivaled views. This assisted enormously in creating the illusion of space. By utilizing natural stones, timbers and refined detailing, we extenuated the spatial dimensions. While our brief remained relatively unrestricted, we were extremely conscious of the site's inherent constraints and its magnificent opportunities. We believe the contemporary design responded exceedingly well, achieving a balance between the satisfaction of client requirements and the realization that the subtleties’ achieved by the interior design were the most rewarding.
The site presented itself as a most challenging project—although it had a superb beach front location and unprecedented vistas across Port Phillip Bay, it was orientated due west and often confronted the extremes in weather conditions. The site was long and relatively narrow, with vehicle access at the rear, and was bounded on both its longest sides by double-story residential developments that blocked natural northern and southern light. These developments also prevented the potential of opening up the project, as the property would then lack privacy. Given these constraints, our task was relatively clear: to maximize the site's potential and overcome its somewhat awkward arrangement, it was necessary to hone in on the spatial requirements and prioritize areas for entertainment, general living, solitude and home office. We then matched these spaces with their need for light, space, privacy and views. Once this was achieved, the matrix of spaces and the relationships between spaces fell into place with relative ease. The critical aspect was to be how the interiors would transform and unite the design in an uncluttered, well organized way. Maximizing the view was obviously of prime importance, and as such, there were a host of activities and spaces vying for prime position. Kitchen, meals spaces, living, entertaining etc.—accommodating these in one zone with related joinery and continuity of finishes proved challenging in itself. However, we believe the challenge was successfully overcome by resisting the need to overcompensate with myriad varying elements, giving preference and dominance to what was most important, the fantastic views.
The material and detailing intent for this project was based on the following principles: clean, crisp detailing and materials; comfortable, warm materials reflecting a homey softness while maintaining clean lines; and materials reflecting integrity, such as natural stone, natural timbers, and steel and glass.
On the first floor there was a firm connection to the ground. There are two levels, one step apart; the lower floor level is finished in white limestone which seamlessly flows to the exterior, and the upper floor level is finished in spotted gum. The spotted gum is always found in the timber decks at the front entry and rear courtyard. The joinery is designed to complement the floor and wall materials. Timber veneers were used to match the floors, and emperite in satin to match the walls. The junctions are clean shadowed lines—the intent was for the joinery to dissolve into the space.
While artificial heating and cooling are employed in the project, the consumption of energy was minimized by insulation used throughout, external insulation foam used on the upper levels, and good use of natural cross-ventilation. In addition, the glazing is laminated comfort glass to reduce both heat loss and heat gain. Levels of natural light have been considered in all areas of the house, reducing the requirement for artificial lighting.
The landscape contains a large proportion of permeable surfaces, and thus storm water is harvested via a 10,000-liter water tank for use in the plunge pool and gardens. This reduces run-off into the urban storm water system and reduces water consumption. Internally, the use of low VOC paints was employed, and all timbers were sourced from sustainably harvested forests.
While design was critical to the development, budgetary concerns also played an important role throughout the design process. Various materials were evaluated with regards to their aesthetic value to cost relationship, and, where possible, interior works were constructed utilizing a minimalistic, acutely detailed design approach. Areas of the development that could be economically constructed utilizing standard treatments were done so, thus creating the opportunity to channel funds in to areas that would achieve maximum benefits.
We were fortunate that the site's rectangular shape enabled external walls to be simplified and built along boundaries, eliminating the need for expensive, exposed treatments which were hidden from public view. We were able to concentrate on the internal faces of these walls, using architectural treatment and finishes that expressed the contemporary nature of the design. Upon completion of the project, the design brief had been successfully achieved within budgetary allowances and design expectations.
The dwelling contains three levels, with primary living spaces occupying areas that spill out externally or otherwise command unrivaled views. This assisted enormously in creating the illusion of space. By utilizing natural stones, timbers and refined detailing, we extenuated the spatial dimensions. While our brief remained relatively unrestricted, we were extremely conscious of the site's inherent constraints and its magnificent opportunities. We believe the contemporary design responded exceedingly well, achieving a balance between the satisfaction of client requirements and the realization that the subtleties’ achieved by the interior design were the most rewarding.
The site presented itself as a most challenging project—although it had a superb beach front location and unprecedented vistas across Port Phillip Bay, it was orientated due west and often confronted the extremes in weather conditions. The site was long and relatively narrow, with vehicle access at the rear, and was bounded on both its longest sides by double-story residential developments that blocked natural northern and southern light. These developments also prevented the potential of opening up the project, as the property would then lack privacy. Given these constraints, our task was relatively clear: to maximize the site's potential and overcome its somewhat awkward arrangement, it was necessary to hone in on the spatial requirements and prioritize areas for entertainment, general living, solitude and home office. We then matched these spaces with their need for light, space, privacy and views. Once this was achieved, the matrix of spaces and the relationships between spaces fell into place with relative ease. The critical aspect was to be how the interiors would transform and unite the design in an uncluttered, well organized way. Maximizing the view was obviously of prime importance, and as such, there were a host of activities and spaces vying for prime position. Kitchen, meals spaces, living, entertaining etc.—accommodating these in one zone with related joinery and continuity of finishes proved challenging in itself. However, we believe the challenge was successfully overcome by resisting the need to overcompensate with myriad varying elements, giving preference and dominance to what was most important, the fantastic views.
The material and detailing intent for this project was based on the following principles: clean, crisp detailing and materials; comfortable, warm materials reflecting a homey softness while maintaining clean lines; and materials reflecting integrity, such as natural stone, natural timbers, and steel and glass.
On the first floor there was a firm connection to the ground. There are two levels, one step apart; the lower floor level is finished in white limestone which seamlessly flows to the exterior, and the upper floor level is finished in spotted gum. The spotted gum is always found in the timber decks at the front entry and rear courtyard. The joinery is designed to complement the floor and wall materials. Timber veneers were used to match the floors, and emperite in satin to match the walls. The junctions are clean shadowed lines—the intent was for the joinery to dissolve into the space.
While artificial heating and cooling are employed in the project, the consumption of energy was minimized by insulation used throughout, external insulation foam used on the upper levels, and good use of natural cross-ventilation. In addition, the glazing is laminated comfort glass to reduce both heat loss and heat gain. Levels of natural light have been considered in all areas of the house, reducing the requirement for artificial lighting.
The landscape contains a large proportion of permeable surfaces, and thus storm water is harvested via a 10,000-liter water tank for use in the plunge pool and gardens. This reduces run-off into the urban storm water system and reduces water consumption. Internally, the use of low VOC paints was employed, and all timbers were sourced from sustainably harvested forests.
While design was critical to the development, budgetary concerns also played an important role throughout the design process. Various materials were evaluated with regards to their aesthetic value to cost relationship, and, where possible, interior works were constructed utilizing a minimalistic, acutely detailed design approach. Areas of the development that could be economically constructed utilizing standard treatments were done so, thus creating the opportunity to channel funds in to areas that would achieve maximum benefits.
We were fortunate that the site's rectangular shape enabled external walls to be simplified and built along boundaries, eliminating the need for expensive, exposed treatments which were hidden from public view. We were able to concentrate on the internal faces of these walls, using architectural treatment and finishes that expressed the contemporary nature of the design. Upon completion of the project, the design brief had been successfully achieved within budgetary allowances and design expectations.
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