A Layered Family Home – Casa F by Williams Burton Leopardi
Casa F sees Williams Burton Leopardi seamlessly marry old and new elements whilst integrating bespoke moments throughout that allow for easy family living. The home is designed to age and grow with the occupants, as family lies at the centre of the residence – a sentiment exemplified by the architecture, interior design and landscape. Williams Burton Leopardi thoughtfully blends existing and contemporary elements with a combined sense of elegance, functionality and comfort.
The layout of Casa F is defined by the openness between interior spaces and across thresholds. Nestled within College Park, an eastern suburb of Adelaide typified by bluestone buildings with bay windows, the original charm of the residence is celebrated by the architect. The layout of the villa is true to its origins, with bay windows featured on the front room, main bedroom, kids bedroom, family bathroom and staircase. A main hallway flows to the kitchen, dining and living areas, whilst some panelling leads to the laundry and cellar. In this sense, the home gracefully facilitates daily family life whilst prioritising concealment in the design.
As the clients are of Italian descent, a Mediterranean style of living centred around plenty of outdoor space, areas of retreat, sharing food and encouraging togetherness prevails. Central to this idea is the way the design follows a ‘town square’ arrangement between the main home and the pavilion. The large and generous scale of the kitchen offers ample opportunity for gathering and socialising, whilst the garden outside becomes a space for retreat.
Considered additions in terms of furnishings and materiality evoke a softness that encourages one to relax. Williams Burton Leopardi takes inspiration from the existing fabric of the home – a palette of natural materials such as washed oak flooring and natural stone in the bathroom and kitchen. Furniture is used to imbue the villa with an element of contrast and follows a restrained approach in the main spaces, inspiring a sense of retreat within.
Light and views are also now part of the fabric of the previously dark and enclosed home. Views outward have been framed at every opportunity; for instance, through the new pivot door that looks out to an existing tree and the restored fence beyond. Williams Burton Leopardi cleverly filters northern light into the dwelling through new screens and a beautiful vine, which allows dappled light to dance across surfaces. Bedrooms and front spaces receive soft southern light, imbuing these areas with calmness and tranquillity.
Casa F is made up of many layers, both new and existing. It is the rejuvenation of this villa that allows these elements to coalesce into a cohesive, functional and elegant family home.
