![](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Lysenko-Marshall-Architects.jpg)
Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects
Round windows in black and red are plugged into the facade of this wood-clad house by Australian firm Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects that sits on the outskirts of Melbourne.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-20.jpg)
The three-storey residence, called Ormond Esplanade, is split across four levels with a half-level rise between the second and third floor.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-3.jpg)
The main stairwell has open risers and ascends through a void.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-4.jpg)
The timber-clad house sits on a sloping site with a low-level garden to the rear, which can be accessed via an external stair.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-5.jpg)
Here's some more from the architects
Ormond Esplanade
No, they (the client) said. Make it Saint Kilda.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-6.jpg)
And, make it light. Make it bright. Make it tight. Add all of the green stuff too, please. And, we want it beachy. Maybe like a boat? And it better be fun. Serious fun.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-7.jpg)
Hmn. How about spotted gum? Or even better, spotty gum.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-8.jpg)
Skin
A tight wrapped skin creates a shell for this vertical house. Like real skin, it’s blemished and rough. Something to protect the delicate inside, at once tough and resilient, but still stretchy, smooth, supple and tactile.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-9.jpg)
Baroque
Though seemingly abstract, this house is multilayered, replete with veiled secrets, like a dreaming or wandering left for the occupant to decode – a chain of intimate revelations.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-10.jpg)
Vertical Living
A tight block turns the circulation on its head. A three level stair rises behind the circular windows providing a connection between the four distinct zones.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-11.jpg)
The screen-printed hoop pine balustrade links the levels through a carefully constructed narrative of image and colour.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-12.jpg)
Zones for Living
A garden room lands the ground floor. A grand stair is mirrored inside and out and connects the lofty living to both the beach and the backyard.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-13.jpg)
The kid’s bedrooms are fun, exciting and colourful and the parent’s garret is necessarily moody, sexy and private.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-14.jpg)
Lean and Green
The void also provides passive stack ventilation, grounded in a masonry level and a permeable lid. Glazing is optimised and daylight carefully controlled.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-18.jpg)
A 2.0kw solar system provides energy. Rainwater flushes and washes while grey water keeps the grass green.
This is sensory architecture that cannot be engaged in a single eyeful.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-2.jpg)
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-22.jpg)
A home of full of wonder and anticipation for a young family.
![Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects Ormond Esplanade by Judd Lysenko Marshall Architects](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2010/09/dzn_Ormond-Esplanade-by-Judd-Lysenko-Marshall-Architects-23.jpg)
See also:
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