Situated within a heritage-listed inter-war home, the first phase of House 1915 focuses on the entry, dining room, living room and master bedroom – spaces that have been reimagined without altering their original floorplan.
A key feature of the project is its commitment to preserving the architectural DNA. The design strategy builds upon the existing rather than overwriting it, layering modern textures and sculptural elements onto the historical canvas. The result is a home that balances contemporary elegance with a clear sense of reverence for its past.
The material palette plays a central role in articulating this dialogue. Plush mint green carpet, timber panelling and stucco walls provided the starting point, reinterpreted through a palette that includes honed Appenino River stone, Eveneer timber veneer in Almond, and patterned antique brass grilles. These elements bring depth and warmth while responding to the historical detailing, such as ornate ceiling mouldings.
In the dining room, a woven forest-inspired wallpaper by Arte Walls creates an enveloping, tactile backdrop. Custom furnishings contribute to the layered material story: a solid walnut dining table by Christopher Blank, Gubi’s fully upholstered Beetle chairs and a sculptural Basalt pendant by Daniel Giffin work together to define the space through tone, texture and craftsmanship.
The Master Bedroom continues this textural richness, combining soft drapery in porcelain tones with robust sculptural forms. A curved upholstered bed by Pianca anchors the room, flanked by Dedalo night tables and oversized Ficupala pendants by Cassina. A Bonsai chaise by Arflex softens the composition, while artwork by Gabrielle Jones introduces colour and movement.
Custom joinery also plays a pivotal role, particularly in the entry wine store, where timber veneer cabinetry is offset with marble handles and patterned metalwork, turning functional storage into a focal point of craftsmanship.
The work at House 1915 follows Studio Esar’s ethos: honour the past, elevate the present, and design with material integrity. The project transforms a heritage home into a richly layered interior, designed to be timeless, grounded and deeply textural.
