Enveloping Contemporary Warmth – The Esplanade by Williams Burton Leopardi

Layering warmth, richness and subtleties, The Esplanade is a home of enveloping invitation. Williams Burton Leopardi creates a sense of refined luxury through an acute understanding of materiality, light and form.

Located along the foreshore esplanade of Adelaide’s Glenelg South, The Esplanade fronts the ocean on one side and hugs its site to the other. Originally conceived by architect Con Bastiras in 2002, alterations and additions by WBL see an expansion of the existing footprint and a considered, textural layering of each of the internal spaces.

Williams Burton Leopardi’s clear understanding of the success of the residential condition affords this home an enduring confidence that speaks not to trending palettes or materiality but to a sense of permanence and unassuming beauty.

Built by Desyn Homes, together with Gap Joinery, The Esplanade is the result of experimentation with extending the original to embrace its generous ocean view, while also still providing a sense of privacy and security. Through a series of repeated façade elements that echo the classical composition of Roman architecture, a colonnade-type rhythm is created. Behind this sit operable elements that allow for both openness and enclosure, facilitating engagement with the view and landscape beyond. The timber fins allow for both solar and heat gain control, diverting unwanted glare and directing natural light internally. The softness of these timber elements adds a warmth and texture intended to age and weather over time as they adjust to their coastal locale.

Located along the foreshore esplanade of Adelaide’s Glenelg South, The Esplanade fronts the ocean on one side and hugs its site to the other.

The addition and expansion works increase the existing overall volume and add form and amenity that complements the original architectural language. Internally, the combination of natural textured plaster, stone and timber all add an elevated sense of luxury, while still maintaining an approachability. The collection of furniture and objects add as an expression of the owners in a restrained and refined way. Through maintaining a sharply minimal and uncomplicated palette, the resulting home becomes an effortless series of spaces.

Through surfaces, the play on natural and architectural lighting and the classical proposed form, Williams Burton Leopardi’s clear understanding of the success of the residential condition affords this home an enduring confidence that speaks not to trending palettes or materiality but to a sense of permanence and unassuming beauty.

Originally conceived by architect Con Bastiras, the new works see an expansion of the existing footprint and a considered, textural layering of each of the internal spaces.