POINT PIPER | CO-AP

Alterations and additions to a 1940s harbour-front apartment. The brief called for opening up the existing rabbit-warren of rooms to maximise northerly views over Sydney Harbour. The clients, empty-nesters, were downsizing and requested to convert the existing three bedroom apartment into an open-plan, flexible one bedroom apartment with a guest/AV room for visiting grandchildren.

Many of the existing walls were demolished, only the main fireplace core running through the building was left intact. It was sculpted to provide framed views from the deepest parts of the apartment. A new division between sleeping and living areas was created by a wall of European Oak joinery with openings and sliding wall panels providing access to the main bedroom and utility areas beyond. This joinery wall also houses part of the kitchen at the southern end. A custom made white Corian table is used as the kitchen island and breakfast bench.

The choice of materials was kept clean, crisp and minimal. European Oak timber floor boards, white limestone slabs, pale coloured glass and almond hued linoleum faced joinery completes the palette. Opening up the apartment to light, air and space has allowed for cross ventilation and maximum solar penetration when required. This has enabled the clients to live comfortably all year round without relying of artificial heating or cooling of the space.

Adaptive re-use of an existing apartment to cater for new inhabitants also contributes to long-term sustainability.