Enhancing Reputation – Wimborne by Latitude 37

Serene and sun-drenched, residential project Wimborne pays homage to mid-century modern design whilst capturing the Palm Springs lifestyle. Crafted by design and construction company Latitude 37, the single-storey dwelling represents another feather in the cap for the practice whose talents have recently been the subject of critical acclaim.

Situated in the suburb of Mount Eliza, approximately one hour from Melbourne, Wimborne affords residents enticing glimpses of the bay. Sitting on a gently sloping site, the home spills downwards in obedience to the natural fall of the land in a wide block formation. In contrast to the modest image of the house presented from the street front – a small, rectilinear structure enclosed by a contemporary take on the white picket fence – a birds-eye view of the property presents an impressive picture of spatial luxury, where the building frames a central courtyard on three sides. The courtyard contains a pool and cabana; amenities that jointly nod to the Palm Springs inspiration for the house and, most importantly, can be visually accessed from all parts of the residence. Settled within a suburb known for its easy village way of life, enviable architecture and natural surrounds, Wimborne is primed to contribute to and capitalise upon the reputation of its locality.

The courtyard contains a pool and cabana; amenities that jointly nod to the Palm Springs inspiration for the house and, most importantly, can be visually accessed from all parts of the residence.

Collaborating with CSR Hebel, the exterior is clad in Hebel PowerPanel 75 and enables the home to function efficiently behind its relaxed, coastal aesthetic. Made from autoclaved, aerated concrete, the Australian-made product enhances the overall liveability of the home with thermal, acoustic and safety benefits – the house is kept cool in summer and warm in winter, noise is reduced and a reassuringly high level of fire resistance is provided. By selecting a light-coloured render, Latitude 37 draws residents away from ideas of work and practicality, instead allowing the façade to speak compellingly to a lifestyle of leisure. More so in summer, the building is reminiscent of a resort – a bright block beneath a clear blue sky, grounded by a timber garage.

Throughout Wimborne, a mid-century modern yet timeless decorative style is maintained.
The exterior expresses classic traits of the 21st century design movement; clean-lined and low-profiled, the structure proposes principles of honesty and modesty, presenting the house as secondary to the surrounding landscape. Reimagining the modern style within the interior of the home, Latitude 37 crafts fluidly curving internal architecture that gently guides one through the space. A polished plaster curved wall shapes the hallway leading to the master bedroom, presenting a soft and rhythmic flow from one room into another. In addition, a curved timber screen defines the living room, offering a degree of privacy whilst permitting ventilation and views to the rest of the home. Natural light fills each space as a result of generously applied, floor-to-ceiling glazing, creating a visual connection between the structure and external courtyard. Whilst a solid breeze block is used at the back of the ensuite and cabana – intercepting the rays of sun to create a shifting and spotted shadow – in the dining room, light is embraced in a different manner. A skillion roof exaggerates the north-facing aspect of the room, allowing the internal space to be bathed in sunlight.

Throughout Wimborne, a mid-century modern yet timeless decorative style is maintained.

The kitchen – a vital social space within the contemporary idea of residential living – presents as a particularly accomplished aspect of the home. Positioning the kitchen directly opposite wide panels of glazing, there is the opportunity to look out onto the courtyard scene whilst cooking, maximising the impact of the home’s layout and landscape. Mirroring the colour palette of the façade, the room features glossy white appliances by Miele, a white range hood and a white kitchen island, offset by timber and metallic accents that create a warm and welcoming space.

Within the open plan format of the house, timber forms a point of material consistency, joining areas such as the kitchen, study area and living room together and establishing spatial flow. Present in the kitchen in the form of seamless joinery, the material cleverly conceals a door to the butler’s pantry, where residents can enjoy additional storage. In a moment of inspired design, the glass panels inserted into the upper cabinetry reflect the view opposite, drawing the gaze upwards, emphasising the striking dimensions of the space and further solidifying the relationship between house and garden.

The exterior expresses classic traits of the 21st century design movement; clean-lined and low-profiled, the structure proposes principles of honesty and modesty, presenting the house as secondary to the surrounding landscape.

In 2021, Latitude 37 received the Australian Professional Medium Builder Award in recognition of their design and construction capabilities – imaginatively designed and well-constructed, Wimborne stands as another addition to an ever-growing creative legacy.