Our client provided us with a comprehensive brief to renovate the double-floored 3-bedroom apartment, last touched in the 70s, to become a designed apartment that would be her forever home. She emphasized her admiration for Parisian design and brought with her an impressive collection of eclectic artwork and furniture to build upon with the new space. With the view being a significant feature, we aimed to integrate it as part of the overall design, treating it as another piece of art rather than the sole focus. We merged the kitchen with the dining/living spaces and adjusted doors and windows to optimize views from every angle and facilitate a seamless flow between the main-lived-in areas of the residence. We reconfigured the stairwell to preserve living space, allowing the client to prominently display her cherished Lindy Lee “Listening to the moon” sculpture over the void. The client expressed significant concern about the apartment's long-term usability, particularly regarding accessibility in her later years. To address these concerns, we prioritized the inclusion of a lift and designed cabinetry for aging in mind. We constructed a balcony accessible from the master bedroom through large sliding doors, providing a daily vista to wake to.

The major design challenge in this project was twofold - the First was to undertake approvals for the project at the very start of NSW's new Design and Building Practitioner's Act which required navigation of the Planning Portal in a way not undertaken before by any of the players in the build, be it Architect, Builder or Private Certifier. We were flying blind, with daily issues with the Portal that meant extremely long and complicated conversations with the Dept of Fair Trading.

The second was what was uncovered once building commenced - a very leaky space that had concrete cancer and all manner of flooding issues. A large overhaul of remedial works to the Strata Apartment block was required which extended the build and the costs extensively.

The project's innovation lies in its homage to iconic architecture and the integration of avant-garde materials. The stairwell, featuring curved panels of bent plywood under Venetian plaster, pays 

Tribute to the Sydney Opera House by showcasing a creative use of materials reminiscent of the construction of its iconic sails. Lindy Lee's "Listening to the Moon" sculpture, strategically placed over the stairwell, introduces a dynamic element with its nocturnal ripple effect, transforming the space into an artful, multi-sensory experience.
Brightly colored furniture, bespoke polka dot tiles, and rich brocade wallpaper were carefully selected to pay homage to the client's profound love for Paris and Hotel Costes, along with a meaningful hand-drawn family portrait covering the entire wall of the living room. Luxurious 
materials such as Calcutta Vagli marble and chevron-style parquetry floorboards were thoughtfully incorporated to elevate the space and harmonize with her art collection
Every detail has been thoughtfully curated to tell a unique and personalized story, providing a visually captivating journey as one traverses through the home.

Team:

Architects: Brooke Aitken Interior Design

Photographer: Prue Ruscoe

Materials Used:

Joinery Finishes & Paints:
- Abet Laminati 602 Rovere Boemia
- Polytec MR Melamine MDF Agave Smooth
- Polytec MR Melamine MDF Amaro Matt
- Briggs TrueGrain Biscotti FSC® Veneer
- Dulux Snowy Mountains Half (Throughout)
- Dulux Hogs Bristle (Bedroom Paint)
Stone, Tile & Flooring:
- SNB Stone Calacutta Vagli Marble
- Jennoli Art Custom Dotted Tiles by Brooke Aitken Design
- Inigo Jones Stone Parquet Tile in Honed Carrara and Thassos
- Design Tiles Bianco Ceramic Carrara Marble Tile
- Surface Studio Decorative Diamond Tile
- Fornasetti tiles
- Boffi Salvatori Cuscini Carrara Marble Tile
- Woodcut White Smoked Floor Boards in Chevron Pattern

Lighting:
- Articolo Fizi Wall Sconce in Satin Nickel
- Baccarat Torch Wall Sconce
- Koda Lighting Vibia Pin Wall Light in Black
- Formfluent Lladro Nightbloom Pendant
- Lindy Lee ‘Listening to the Moon’ Artwork
Furniture:
- Globe West Oberon Crescent Bedside Table in Natural Ash
- RJ Living Serene Queen Bed Base in Oak
- Space Furniture:
- B&B Italia Camaleonda Sofa
- B&B Italia Borea Outdoor Armchair
- B&B Italia Fat-Fat Coffee Table
- B&B Italia Diesis Coffee table
- Edra Favela Chair
- Moooi Monster Chairs
- Baxter Adel Bench
Major Appliances Supplier: Winnings Appliances (Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Quasair, Brodware)
Major Sanitaryware Supplier: Candana Brodware, Apaiser, Meek