Nestled within the busy inner-city of Sydney, this warehouse converted apartment designed by Brooke Aitken Design is infused with elemental Japanese design to create a minimalist, sustainable oasis that invites reflection and relaxation for a retired couple.
The apartment is located at the back of a ground level 4-floor old warehouse in the heart of a busy inner-city area famous for its restaurant life.
All windows overlook two small internal lightwell courtyards that provide no aspect to the street, nor any views.
At times, no direct sunlight penetrates the apartment altogether.
It did however have expansive ceiling heights which had been lost within a warren of small rooms on different floor levels.
Brooke Aitken Design saw the potential that it could provide a level of introspection and calm from the city.
Having been influenced by their travels to Japan, Brooke Aitken Design’s clients wished to reduce household possessions and enjoy their retirement in a minimalist calm oasis whilst being connected to the buzz of society on their doorstep.
The Brooke Aitken Design team deleted a bedroom and created a large living area grounded by a polished concrete floor.
They emphasised the great ceiling height with timber screening that acts as a backlit interior forest of soft coloured oak.
A change in floor height indicates the change to the ‘night’ level of the dwelling, timber-floored for bare feet use of a study, bedroom, and bathroom.
Throughout, materials were chosen for their minimalist and natural properties.
This project is a re-imagining of what retirement living can be.
Brooke Aitken Design’s clients expect to live out their lives in this property.
Details and materials were not only considered for their aesthetic effect and the corresponding mental health effect to the occupants, but also for their longevity, durability, and practical use.
Kitchen size reduced to increase well-ordered storage space, whilst concurrently the previous family home possessions were filtered to a minimum.
The focus became the aesthetic experience of a day passing in an emptier living space and each element within was chosen to increase enjoyment, ease of use and comfort.
Project Awards
- Shortlisted for the DIA awards in 2018
- Shortlisted for the Houses Awards (Australia) in 2018
Project Details
Completion Date – 2017
Project Team
Architecture and Interior Design
Brooke Aitken Design
Brooke Aitken Design is both an architectural and interior design practice that focuses on the combination of both to create beautiful rooms.
They are one of the few architectural practices in Australia that can both build and furnish a project.
Brooke Aitken Design specialises in mid to high-end residential architecture and design, but are also well versed in and welcome many other project types.
Their preference for architectural projects are ones that extend to the interiors, yet we regularly undertake interior decoration without an architectural requirement.
Photography
Katherine Lu
Katherine is a well-established Sydney-based commercial photographer specialising in architecture and interiors.
Photo Gallery
Click on a thumbnail image to enlarge.
Design © 2020 Brooke Aitken Design. All Rights Reserved.| Images © 2020 Katherine Lu. All Rights Reserved.
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