David Hicks wins 2025 TIDA Australia Apartment of the Year
Congratulations to David Hicks, winner of the 2025 TIDA Australia Apartment of the Year – a penthouse with elevated sophistication
Set in the vibrant heart of Melbourne’s Collingwood neighbourhood, this spacious penthouse crowns a converted garment factory.
Spread across 350 square metres and two levels, the apartment distils the raw, industrial character of its surroundings into a refined and contemporary home – one that honours its heritage with calm sophistication.
Instead of solid partitions, subtle shifts in material and tone define each space, creating a natural sense of openness and flow.
A full-height glass façade spans the length of the apartment, bathing it in natural light and framing uninterrupted views of the city skyline.
The glazing leads you into the informal lounge – home to a grand piano, and a collectible Yves Klein coffee table and Dale Frank painting.
These two vivid pieces anchor the room, adding colour, depth, and energy, while maintaining a timeless sense of elegance that transcends the typical neutral palette.
In the dining room, a soft blue Murano glass chandelier and Sokquon Tran landscape bring a quiet balance to the more muted tones of the space.
Meanwhile, honed grey marble, pale timber veneer, and stainless-steel accents in the kitchen subtly reference the building’s industrial past – with a polished, contemporary edge.
The TIDA Judges were impressed by the penthouse’s elevated sophistication – an interior that draws on New York loft inspiration, celebrating raw textures and gallery-like proportions.
Congratulations to David Hicks, winner of the2025 TIDA Australia Apartment of the Year.
Home kitchen bathroom commercial design
