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Before & After: From Industrial Warehouse to Entertainer's Dream
Entertaining spaces, a billiards room and a fully kitted-out bar, this penthouse in a converted warehouse has it all
In this Q&A series, we turn the spotlight on one thought-provoking renovation, redesign or new build each week. Here, Anna Antoniades, architect and principal at Anna Antoniades Architecture, reveals how she reworked a penthouse in a converted warehouse to create a spectacular entertainer’s abode for a pair of fun-loving downsizers.
The floor plan before works.
How did you use Houzz for this project?
The client wanted to achieve a very particular aesthetic – an eclectic, industrial style using rich and vibrant materials in the main living areas, and a softer, quieter palette in the bedrooms and bathrooms. They used Houzz Ideabooks [showing projects with a similar look] to communicate their ideas.
Ready to rework your home? Find an architect near you on Houzz
How did you use Houzz for this project?
The client wanted to achieve a very particular aesthetic – an eclectic, industrial style using rich and vibrant materials in the main living areas, and a softer, quieter palette in the bedrooms and bathrooms. They used Houzz Ideabooks [showing projects with a similar look] to communicate their ideas.
Ready to rework your home? Find an architect near you on Houzz
The floor plan after works.
What is the home like?
This penthouse occupies the top level of a converted postwar commercial building in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst in Sydney. The apartment had contemporary finishes but lacked character, and the layout didn’t suit the new owners’ requirements.
What state was it in?
It was well-maintained, but the workmanship and the quality of the finishes were sub-standard.
What is the home like?
This penthouse occupies the top level of a converted postwar commercial building in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst in Sydney. The apartment had contemporary finishes but lacked character, and the layout didn’t suit the new owners’ requirements.
What state was it in?
It was well-maintained, but the workmanship and the quality of the finishes were sub-standard.
What wasn’t working for the client?
The layout and finishes.
What did they want for their home?
The client wanted a home that could provide multiple experiences for themselves and their guests. The focus was on creating connected spaces that could be opened up for large parties or closed for warmth and privacy.
The layout and finishes.
What did they want for their home?
The client wanted a home that could provide multiple experiences for themselves and their guests. The focus was on creating connected spaces that could be opened up for large parties or closed for warmth and privacy.
Living/dining area before works.
What was your scope of work?
A completely reconfigured and refinished apartment.
What was your scope of work?
- Design and detail the architecture and interiors.
- Prepare council submissions.
- Manage site assistance.
A completely reconfigured and refinished apartment.
What was your brief for the home?
To provide a unique space that works for entertaining and quiet living.
What were the client’s must-haves?
To provide a unique space that works for entertaining and quiet living.
What were the client’s must-haves?
- A large kitchen.
- An entertaining bar.
- A pool table.
What was the main bedroom like before?
It was originally located in the southern part of the apartment, so it was dark and uninteresting.
What did you do?
We relocated the main bedroom and ensuite to the northern side of the apartment. The bed now faces the beautiful harbour view, with feature headboard cladding on one wall. Soft, sheer curtains cover the extensive north-facing windows, providing a gentle and peaceful space.
It was originally located in the southern part of the apartment, so it was dark and uninteresting.
What did you do?
We relocated the main bedroom and ensuite to the northern side of the apartment. The bed now faces the beautiful harbour view, with feature headboard cladding on one wall. Soft, sheer curtains cover the extensive north-facing windows, providing a gentle and peaceful space.
What was your brief for the ensuite?
To create an open bathroom with a private WC and a shower with harbour views.
What was the ensuite like before?
Small and windowless with ordinary finishes.
To create an open bathroom with a private WC and a shower with harbour views.
What was the ensuite like before?
Small and windowless with ordinary finishes.
What did you do?
We created an open bathroom that could be closed off with steel and glass screens. The finishes are bold but complement the soft tones of the adjacent bedroom.
Steel-and-glass doors separate the private WC and shower.
Browse more images of contemporary Australian bathrooms in grey
We created an open bathroom that could be closed off with steel and glass screens. The finishes are bold but complement the soft tones of the adjacent bedroom.
Steel-and-glass doors separate the private WC and shower.
Browse more images of contemporary Australian bathrooms in grey
What was your brief for the library?
To create a warm, intimate space that connects to the living room, but can be closed off for privacy when required.
What did you do?
We designed a floating joinery unit finished in rich timber veneer to separate the library and entertainment room. Large steel-framed glass doors lead to the living room, which can be closed for privacy. The windows face the dramatic city views.
We also raised the floors throughout the interior to run services underneath.
To create a warm, intimate space that connects to the living room, but can be closed off for privacy when required.
What did you do?
We designed a floating joinery unit finished in rich timber veneer to separate the library and entertainment room. Large steel-framed glass doors lead to the living room, which can be closed for privacy. The windows face the dramatic city views.
We also raised the floors throughout the interior to run services underneath.
What challenges did you work around with this project?
All the materials had to be crane-lifted in, resulting in a very tight construction program.
All the materials had to be crane-lifted in, resulting in a very tight construction program.
Living/dining area before works.
Why do you think this home works so well?
The layout, cohesive finishes and level of detail make it a success.
Why do you think this home works so well?
The layout, cohesive finishes and level of detail make it a success.
What are the main elements of the new materials palette?
To provide warmth and texture, as well as an exposed structure that punctuates the raised ceiling volume.
- Recycled brick.
- Raw fibre-cement ceiling sheets.
- Steel beams, windows and doors.
To provide warmth and texture, as well as an exposed structure that punctuates the raised ceiling volume.
Where did most of the AU$3 million budget go?
On the finishes and materials handling.
On the finishes and materials handling.
Deck before works.
What was your brief for the bar and outdoor area?
Guru Projects designed the bar and wine cellar to have a completely different feel to the rest of the house. It is extensively detailed in timber, stone and bronze.
The large L-shaped courtyard leads off the bar and entertainment rooms and provides a number of relaxation opportunities. The landscaping helps soften the outdoor area and creates an oasis-like feel.
What was your brief for the bar and outdoor area?
Guru Projects designed the bar and wine cellar to have a completely different feel to the rest of the house. It is extensively detailed in timber, stone and bronze.
The large L-shaped courtyard leads off the bar and entertainment rooms and provides a number of relaxation opportunities. The landscaping helps soften the outdoor area and creates an oasis-like feel.
Deck before works.
What was it like before?
The bar area was a covered patio with built-in-seating, which was disconnected from the living areas. The courtyard was smaller with sub-standard finishes.
What did you do?
We reduced and enclosed the covered patio to create a stand-alone bar with an access walkway from the entrance hall.
The courtyard was refinished with new timber decking and wall finishes to create a cohesive palette that flows from inside to out.
What was it like before?
The bar area was a covered patio with built-in-seating, which was disconnected from the living areas. The courtyard was smaller with sub-standard finishes.
What did you do?
We reduced and enclosed the covered patio to create a stand-alone bar with an access walkway from the entrance hall.
The courtyard was refinished with new timber decking and wall finishes to create a cohesive palette that flows from inside to out.
Deck before works.
What are the defining features of this home now?
What are the defining features of this home now?
- Unique spaces.
- Rich, textural finishes.
- Multiple entertaining areas.
- A strong focus towards outdoor courtyard
- Orientation of the living spaces towards the city and harbour views.
Materials and finishes
- Dulux Natural White on the walls and ceiling.
- Dulux Shine Design Metallic Effect on the internal doors.
- Custom pre-finished oak flooring.
- MDF kitchen joinery with an Axolotl Anthra Zinc finish.
- Azuma CG vitrified ceramic tiles and mosaics.
- Custom powder-coated steel-framed doors with reeded glass panes.
- Cemintel Barestone on the main bedroom feature wall.
- Polytec Ravine Tessuto Milan on the walk-in wardrobe joinery.
Furniture and fixtures
Your turn
What is your favourite feature here? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Keen to see another reworking of an older home? Don’t miss this Queensland Houzz: A Cosy, 90-Year-Old Coastal Cottage Is Reborn
- Vanity in Torrone Ceppo marble.
- Marblo Mojo Oval bath.
- Brodware Yokato Aged Iron tapware.
Your turn
What is your favourite feature here? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save these images, like this story and join the conversation.
More
Keen to see another reworking of an older home? Don’t miss this Queensland Houzz: A Cosy, 90-Year-Old Coastal Cottage Is Reborn
Who lives here: A pair of downsizers
Location: Darlinghurst, NSW
Size of the interior before works: 356 square metres
Size of the interior after works: 434 square metres (the extra interior space was borrowed from the outdoor courtyard)
Bedrooms and bathrooms before and after works: Four bedrooms and four bathrooms
Budget: Around AU$3 million
Architecture and interior design: Anna Antoniades, architect and principal at Anna Antoniades Architecture, designed the interiors; Guru Projects designed the kitchen and bar
Furniture selection: Victoria Chapman
Builder: Kinn Construction
Joinery: ACA Joinery
Stone supplier: Worldstone
Steel doors: Steel Windows Australia