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Starting from an empty shell, an architect made his mark on this apartment in a renowned waterfront high-rise

To open the interior and bathe it in apartment, ceiling, interior design, living room, penthouse apartment, real estate, room, gray — To open the interior and bathe it in natural light, Robinson specified few internal walls. Where there are walls, design details, such as this aquarium, lighten the look. Elsewhere, floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors retain the open flow. Work from local artists, hung in panels across the curved wall, add colour. Towards the back of the apartment, where it is darker, limestone floors lighten the interior.

To open the interior and bathe it in apartment, architecture, ceiling, interior design, living room, real estate, room, gray, black

To open the interior and bathe it in ceiling, interior design, living room, real estate, room, white

To open the interior and bathe it in apartment, ceiling, interior design, living room, property, real estate, room, suite, gray

To open the interior and bathe it in apartment, ceiling, interior design, living room, penthouse apartment, real estate, room, suite, gray

To open the interior and bathe it in apartment, ceiling, interior design, living room, real estate, room, gray

Custom-designed, wall-mounted cabinetry in stained oak retains the bedroom, ceiling, estate, hotel, interior design, property, real estate, room, suite, gray

Custom-designed, wall-mounted cabinetry in stained oak retains the bedroom, ceiling, estate, interior design, real estate, room, suite, white

Custom-designed, wall-mounted cabinetry in stained oak retains the apartment, ceiling, estate, interior design, penthouse apartment, property, real estate, room, suite, window, gray

Custom-designed, wall-mounted cabinetry in stained oak retains the bedroom, ceiling, estate, floor, home, interior design, lighting, living room, real estate, room, suite, wall, black, gray

Custom-designed, wall-mounted cabinetry in stained oak retains the ceiling, floor, interior design, living room, real estate, room, suite, gray, black

There are certain perks to being an architect.One of them is knowing other architects not only because they are an interesting bunch of people, but because you will always be on the inside track for hot new developments.

Architect Noel Robinson knew the late Harry Seidler when Seidler was designing the Riparian Plaza in Brisbane. The 53-storey tower stands at 200m one of the city's tallest buildings, and its first mixed-use development. Bloomberg Incorporation built on the last waterfront section in the business district.

The tower has become iconic, not least because of its exterior appearance upper residential floors have compositely stacked balconies, giving a curvilinear appearance. These cantilevered balconies curve in and out beyond each apartment, leaving open sky overhead, a rare commodity.

This design and the apartment's location made it attractive to Robinson. When he bought one of the apartments, he asked the developers if he could design the interior himself.

"It was an unusual request, but they agreed and left the apartment an empty shell for me to fit out," he says.

"Because the building is Modernist, it was appropriate to respond with a contemporary, sleek interior."

Robinson reconfigured the floor plan. The master bedroom and bathroom were moved to the northern wing of the apartment to gain views of Brisbane's Story Bridge from the northeast-facing terrace. To maintain an open and easy flow through the living spaces, and inspired by the curvature of the exterior, an interior wall was bent, so it tapers towards the entrance. This wall divides the master bedroom from the living room. When the bedroom's large double doors are open, the two spaces seem to merge into one.

All the remaining bedrooms, a bathroom and laundry room were placed on the south-east axis of the apartment. The entry at the south-west leads to the open-plan media room and kitchen. The apartment also has private lift access.

Appliances and services are concealed within the cabinetry, ceiling, countertop, interior design, kitchen, real estate, room, orange — Appliances and services are concealed within the cabinetry, and mounted at the most convenient height for the owners. Stainless steel tops provide a contemporary and durable material.

The curved wall has more than defined the floor plan it has influenced the shape of the furniture and cabinetry, and inspired design details, such as the circular recess in the coffered ceiling. Even the artwork curves.

"Everything in this apartment is designed with a purpose," says Robinson.

Several furniture pieces are custom-built, including the dining table that Robinson designed himself. He also specified the pattern of the polished French oak parquet floor in the living room.

Apart from this timber flooring, the 267m² apartment and the 60m² balcony feature French limestone tiles. Grey oak built-in cabinets were custom designed for the individual rooms. The dark chocolatey stain contrasts with the white walls and floor tiles.