Despite facing north-east, this Brisbane apartment felt small and dark thanks to an awkward, compartmentalised layout, not at all appropriate for the capital of the sunshine state! But, with an eye for improving the sense of space and maximising natural light, Anna O'Gorman Architect working in collaboration with Brit Andresen Architect rejuvenated this home...
"For many years," explains Anna, "the potential of this apartment was unrealised." Despite a good orientation, the apartment was made up of a series of small, dark spaces. The owners want to maximise the potential of their home and create a canvas where they could display their art collection.
While there were few defining character elements to retain, there was the challenge of working within the tight envelope of an apartment and minimising structural changes to keep the budget in check.
The main issue was a wall dividing the main living spaces. Removing this wall created one large, open plan living space able to enjoy light from two sides.
"To enhance the impact of this transformation, all other existing apartment walls were painted white", explains Anna. "Finally, a palette of light pine and tallowwood timber was selected to simultaneously bring warmth and character to the interior while helping to bounce light throughout."
The joinery unites the apartment and creates plenty of storage and display space for the owners. Clever touches such as the shutters to the bathroom with a porthole allow the rooms to borrow space, light and breezes from each other while still guaranteeing privacy. In fact, the design means there are sightlines (and therefore the opportunity for borrowed space and light) from one end of the apartment to the other. The result is a home that feels infinitely brighter and more spacious than before.
These seemingly minimal adjustments have made the world of difference to this apartment, transforming it from a tired, dark and dated apartment into a warm, light-filled and personalised home.
