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
At one with the Amazon
Contrast and connection
Masculine meets mixed use
