This spectacular Clifton Hill home occupies a uniquely large, 80 metre-long block for Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs.

But the size also posed a challenge for Clare Cousins Architects, who were asked to design a new home for a couple and their three children.

‘The clients required a home that could accommodate not only their daily lives, but also be the future home for an ageing parent and visiting relatives,’ director Clare Cousins says.

To avoid disrupting the heritage look of the area, the design took cues from the site’s existing post-war cottage. Its old bricks were salvaged and incorporated in the house’s identity, ‘offering a sense of permanence and low-maintenance durability’.

One of the most striking elements of Esplanade House is its compartmentalised layout, defined by curved walls and distinct wings — which merge at the heart of the home.

The entry is set back from the footpath behind a free-standing ‘utility building’ adorned with hit-and-miss brickwork. It stores bikes and solar battery storage, but Clare notes how this clever addition also ensures privacy for the front courtyard and northern wing of children’s bedrooms.

The owners requested that the residence look ‘at ease’ among the predominantly single-storey surrounding homes. This lead to a discrete second floor that serves as the adult’s domain, featuring the main bedroom and study. There’s also self-contained studio at the rear primed for guests.

Inside, sustainably sourced blackbutt timber complements the light-filled living spaces. And the moody green joinery in the kitchen incorportates one of the family’s favourite colours.

The client’s love of gardening was also central to the project. Walled gardens are broken up around the sculptural architecture and a productive garden is the functional centrepiece of the backyard.

‘The elongated plan weaves the house and the Fiona Brockhoff-designed garden together, offering various outdoor settings and vistas from all rooms of the house, while remaining sympathetic to its heritage context,’ Clare explains.

Esplanade House showcases how thoughtful home design can respect the past, whilst remaining firmly anchored in the present — and ensuring relevance well into the future.

See more of Clare Cousins Architects’ work here.