Esplanade Brighton is a project by studio Wood Marsh developed in Melbourne’s waterfront district. The development was built on a brownfield site and includes terraced houses and small flat blocks. The architects combined modern form with attention to the local context in their design, creating a premise that enhances the quality of the local low-density housing and fits in well with the Port Phillip Bay landscape.
A complex of 24 terraced houses and 11 flats located in four buildings has been created on a former industrial site on the west coast of Australia. The entire development has been integrated into a garden planted with native vegetation, which occupies more than half of the plot. This has succeeded in creating a green space that separates the residential area from the busy street and neighbouring properties, while also being linked to the nearby Green Point Park.
Instead of dense housing, the architects designed a layout of pavilions arranged among greenery. The terraced houses surround a communal tree-lined avenue that promotes contact between residents. The undulating form of the facades, wooden screens and terraces ensure privacy and give the space an intimate feel. On the street and beach side, the layout of the development gradually recedes, which fits in with the scale of the existing fabric.
The materials used in the development of Esplanade Brighton, such as wood, brick, render and zinc, emphasise the natural character of the development and guarantee its durability. The interiors of the flats open onto the garden and the beach, providing multilateral light and natural ventilation. Natural materials and carefully designed details are used, including cast bronze doorknobs and individually designed furniture fittings.
The project also stands out for its environmentally friendly solutions. Highly insulating walls, energy-efficient glazing, a passive cooling system and rainwater irrigation in the garden have resulted in an average energy rating of 7.8 stars, and in some flats even above 8.5. Good sound insulation has also been taken care of.
Esplanade Brighton is a successful response to Melbourne’s urban and environmental challenges. The project combines innovation with sensitivity to its surroundings, creating an aesthetically pleasing and welcoming community in a unique waterfront location.
Design: Wood Marsh
Photography: Derek Swalwell(@derek_swalwell), Ben Moynihan(@ben.moynihan), Lynton Crabb(@lyntoncrabb)
Investor: SC Land
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