Second glance

The chances of finding a property that ticks all the boxes are, as we all know, pretty slim. As long as the pros outweigh the cons though, you can usually find a way to make it work.

For the owners of this penthouse apartment, the location was definitely the selling point and any shortcomings in the actual design could be overcome or remedied, says John Cockings, principal of JCA Architects.

"The building's architects had really done a good job with the design, incorporating a number of interesting elements. However, the new owners felt that the whole fell just short of what they wanted.

"The structure is concrete frame and slab with Gyprock walls, so the apartment was fairly straightforward to reconfigure."

Cockings and his team have worked twice previously with the homeowners and spent two months working on the logistics of the project, which included stripping the apartment back to its bare bones and removing and replacing interior walls.

"Essentially the configuration has remained the same, and while the works carried out were fairly intensive, they are in the end, discreet," says Cockings.

"I prefer to keep things as unobtrusive or concealed as possible, as do the clients, so the biggest changes we've made wouldn't even be noticeable to the uninitiated."

The changes include reclaiming space from voids between structural columns that had been created when the internal wall linings were put in place.

"It is always nice to reclaim space where you can, and every square centimetre we could find, we made use of," says Cockings.

"Much of the joinery now sits flush within the structural supports, creating the seamless look the clients wanted. In some instances we were also able to reclaim extra ceiling height."

"The biggest factor in carrying out the works was increasing the overall amenity of the home," says Cockings. "A lot of thought went in to how the clients live and how we could make the apartment better suit their needs.

"The clients are big entertainers, so it was important for the apartment to be a reflection of that. Lighting played a major role. We've upgraded the lighting scheme, both indoors and out, and have installed a number of gimbal light fixtures to give added ambience."

A water feature that wraps around three sides of the balcony and living areas of the apartment is an original feature. Cockings devised a new lighting scheme that emphasises statuary and plantings in and around the feature, to create what is effectively a large art work.

Also original is the large bank of windows on the western side of the living area.

"While the extensive glazing has obvious benefits, it also meant the space was not being utilised to its fullest potential," says Cockings. "I devised a custom picture-rail solution that allowed the owners to hang art in front of the windows, providing added functionality."

For the master suite, Cockings reduced the size of the bedroom to create a dressing room and reconfigured other spaces into his-and-hers ensuite bathrooms and a study.

"We installed a laminated glass screen a third of the way into the bedroom, which has become the headboard to the bed. The space behind is now a combined dressing area and wardrobe. Being glass, the screen admits a diffuse light. While this has meant a smaller bedroom, the bed now has better access to the view, which is a significant benefit.

"The desire was to make a home that was more pleasant to live in. Careful consideration of the owners' lifestyle and interests, and maximising the functionality of the interior spaces has achieved this."

Story by: Justin Foote