APARTMENT REFURBISHMENT - Sth. Yarra

This project involved the refurbishment of a former caretaker's quarters located beneath an historically significant apartment complex (circa 1920). Accessed from the side, the new residence engages with a secluded garden via the placement of a sunroom which juts-out from the master bedroom, and helps bring additional sunlight to the interior. Still more light is brought inside through the existing bay window openings which are enlarged and refurbished with contemporary high-performance glazing.

Spatially, the scheme is a topological response to the physical circumstances of its position. Situated beneath the main building, there is a palpable sense of bearing within the space which is expressed in the new plan as a centroidal node. Marked by the crossing of the operable wall track system overhead, this node was developed as a thematic reference point in the design.

The use of a moveable wall system means that the relatively small interior can be subdivided with maximum flexibility. Hence a surprising number of functions are able to be incorporated into the plan including a library/alcove/store and a bedroom/guestroom/study. When not in use, the operable wall leaves are able to be stored in a variety of locations along the X-shaped arrangement of overhead tracks.

Space is further maximised by the distribution of built-in joinery to the perimeter of the interior, thus leaving as much core useable area available for occupation. The allocation of service functions (kitchen, bathroom, ensuite) into the depth of the plan also means that noise from the adjacent lightwell can be acoustically prevented from interfering with the apartment’s main living areas.

Photography – Workshop Architecture