Franklin Street

A sculptural home shaped by curves and careful craftsmanship.

locationHenley Beach
floor area409 m2
completion2025

Designed by Think Architects and meticulously delivered by Finesse Built, this Henley Beach residence combines bold architectural form with an exceptionally refined level of construction detailing. Crisp white render, black-framed glazing, and textured feature stonework create a striking street presence.

Delivering the home required careful coordination across a range of highly resolved architectural elements, including curved rendered forms, recessed detailing, feature curved stone columns, and the full-width second-level planter box integrated into the front elevation. The consistency of the curved forms and the restrained material transitions throughout the façade contribute to the home’s calm yet highly sculptural appearance.

 

Environmental Sustainability

The home incorporates several design and construction elements aimed at improving long-term performance, durability, and occupant comfort. Hebel wall systems contribute to thermal efficiency and acoustic performance, while the solar heating system supports extended use of the pool and spa with reduced ongoing energy demand.

Large, glazed openings throughout the home maximise natural light and strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, while integrated shading and recessed forms assist in moderating solar exposure. The emphasis on durable materials, high-quality detailing, and long-term construction performance also contributes to the overall sustainability and longevity of the residence.

A sweeping curved render wall and stone-clad column guide visitors toward the oversized timber entry door, establishing the home’s sculptural material palette from the outset. The transition from exposed aggregate paving to the stone-tiled porch creates a subtle sense of arrival before opening into the expansive spaces beyond.

Inside, light-toned herringbone timber flooring introduces warmth and texture, balancing the crisp white surfaces and contrasting black-framed glazing carried throughout the home.

Inside, the home opens dramatically into the central double-height living space framed by expansive arched glazing overlooking the backyard. A subtle ceiling transition draws movement naturally toward the main living areas, while the scale of the space is emphasised by a large feature chandelier suspended within the void.

Throughout the room, the success of the design relies heavily on construction precision and restraint. Minimalist junctions between materials have been executed with exceptional attention to detail, allowing stone, render, glazing, and plaster surfaces to meet cleanly without visual interruption. The connection between the crisp white curved walls and the textured stone columns surrounding the arched windows is a defining feature of this level of care.

Positioned at the edge of the double-height living space, the kitchen balances sculptural form with everyday functionality. Curved detailing from the exterior architecture continues internally through soft white cabinetry forms, while light timber joinery and brass accents introduce warmth and refinement.

A sculptural curved brass rangehood forms a central feature above the island bench, while glass-fronted cabinetry with subtle arched detailing references the expansive rear glazing beyond. The execution of the curved joinery elements, stone surfaces, and brass detailing demanded careful coordination between trades to maintain consistency across the space.

A butler’s pantry is tucked behind the kitchen, preserving the clean visual lines of the main kitchen and living area while supporting large-scale entertaining. Bifold windows open directly onto the alfresco dining space, requiring precise integration between internal and external finishes to achieve the seamless transition between inside and out.

Beyond the alfresco and pool areas, the rear yard opens to a full-size tennis court that reinforces the home’s focus on recreation, entertaining, and family living. The generous scale of the site allows the outdoor spaces to feel expansive while remaining closely connected to the house.

Viewed from the rear yard, the full height and sculptural form of the home become even more pronounced, with the dramatic arched glazing forming a defining architectural feature across the rear elevation.

Positioned between the house and tennis court, the pool and spa area operate both as a recreational space and as a central landscape feature in the backyard. Reflections across the water soften the surrounding architectural forms and contribute to the calm atmosphere of the outdoor spaces.

Fully frameless glass fencing preserves uninterrupted sightlines across the backyard while requiring a high level of construction precision to maintain the minimal visual impact intended throughout the design.

The main living area embraces contrast through the pairing of black-framed glazing with sweeping white curved walls and soft timber detailing. A sculptural curved feature wall integrates both the fireplace and television while maintaining the clean minimalism carried throughout the home.

To one side, a full-height timber feature panel extends through the entire void, adding warmth and texture against the crisp rendered surfaces. Square-set detailing and carefully resolved junctions throughout the space allow the quality of the construction finishing to shine.

The central staircase connects both levels while remaining visually lightweight within the double-height space. Frameless glass balustrades maintain openness to the adjoining living areas, allowing light and views to move freely throughout the home.

Marble lower steps create a sculptural base for a feature bonsai display before transitioning into light timber treads that match the surrounding flooring. Minimal handrail detailing, finished to blend seamlessly with the adjacent walls, reinforces the restrained and refined nature of the overall design.

Within the master ensuite, a curved triple-mirror arrangement creates separate vanity zones connected by a central makeup area, adding both practicality and softness to the room. Above, a large overhead skylight has been detailed to create a frameless opening to the sky, bringing natural light deep into the space and enhancing the calm atmosphere of the interior.

The bathrooms and laundry continue the home’s minimalist material palette through rich stone surfaces, warm brass detailing, and carefully balanced curved forms. Clean lines and restrained detailing allow the quality of the finishes and craftsmanship to take precedence throughout each space.