Watertower | Studio Noakes

In 1985, Sydney Mayor Clover Moore inaugurated one of the city’s earliest warehouse-to-apartment conversions. Originally established in 1903 as McMurties Shoe Factory, the building played a pivotal role in manufacturing boots for the Australian Army during the two World Wars, as well as producing general footwear for the masses.

While the Redfern apartment retained the historical attributes of its industrial era, including high ceilings reminiscent of a New York loft and robust hardwood columns and beams, prior alterations had diminished their prominence.

Studio Noakes embarked on a comprehensive renovation to both preserve and enhance these distinctive features, breathing life into an apartment that had lost its way. Their objective was not only to reveal the apartment’s rich history but also to infuse the space with the creative disposition of their client, complemented by references to the vibrant atmosphere of the inner city hub of Redfern. 

Grounded in the approach of reusing what works well, Studio Noakes preserved the apartment’s historical elements while incorporating them into a new chapter. This approach encapsulates their philosophy, which avoids wasting functional elements that tell a layered and rich history. 

Studio Noakes’ commitment to minimizing waste shines through in their approach of using considered design interventions to enrich existing structures, as well as in their dedication to custom craftsmanship. The team designed several bespoke furniture pieces, including a marble dining table and a long, low-lying living room console, collaborating with artisans and local manufacturers. This dedication to reducing waste is further exemplified by repurposing Rosso Orobico marble offcuts from the powder room vanity for other design elements, such as the custom dining table.

The choice of materials throughout is eclectic and joyful, with Spotted Gum timber veneer and soft blue kitchen and library polyurethane pairing wonderfully with the original timber floors, which were sanded back during the renovation to reveal the Blackbutt timber in its earliest form. Exposed brick walls were acid-washed to restore their original industrial presence and overlaid with soft textures and tones to create warmth throughout.

This fusion of old and new materials, overlaid with vintage and iconic pieces, reflects a delightful chaos that harmonizes perfectly with the young conceptual artist who resides here. The building’s heritage stands proud amidst a vibrant fusion of color, expansive forms, and textured spaces, providing a striking backdrop to showcase the client’s dynamic art collection from other emerging local talents.

Lead Designers: Genine Noakes & Gemma Mihill

Styling: Corina Koch

Photography: Pablo Veiga (https://www.pabloveiga.com/)