Interior Designer
McMahons Point Apartment II
Figure 1. Dining space
Location:
Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point, NSW
Description of pre-design:
Designed by Australian architect Harry Seidler in 1962, the original building was known as Blues Point Tower. It was a 26 storey building with 144 apartments located on Sydney Harbour’s peninsula. For this concept brief, Blues Point Tower was replaced with a new 56 level apartment building with a circular footprint, allowing for all residents to have views of the surrounding harbours and bays.
Client Brief/needs:
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Two level apartment building
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Apartment fit for both living and entertaining
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Windows to be retained as seen on floor plan
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Luxurious and modern interior fit out
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Home office
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Open floor plan
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Software and skills:
SketchUp, V-Ray, Hand sketches
Concept Description:
This apartment overlooks beautiful Sydney harbour, including magnificent views of Barangaroo, Harbour Bridge and the Opera House. This is a spacious and contemporary two storey apartment designed for the modern couple - perfect for working or relaxing on weekdays and entertaining on weekends.
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I’ve styled this apartment with neutral tones and luxurious materials to create a contemporary environment. The apartment contains light washed timber flooring with natural white walls creating a modern and fresh atmosphere. This enabled me to use darker tones in my furniture choices to produce an effective contrast. This is a modern kitchen, all joinery is formed using dark grey laminate complementing the black granite benchtops and stainless steel hardware. The stove top and double sink can be found on either end of the island, with the rangehood hidden inside a translucent glass cube.
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As you travel up the floating L-shaped staircase,
you enter the private realm of the apartment. The flooring choice for the upper level is a creme white carpet which complements the natural white walls. The corners of the walls on this level have been rounded out so there are no hard corners, creating an organic environment. All materials for this level follow a neutral colour scheme with light washed timber and brass hardware.
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As seen in the floor plan the apartment is uniquely shaped, with many different angles, providing a unique challenge in spatial planning. It was important that the apartment has a natural flow to it, especially the first level since this is the main level for entertaining. The open floor plan makes it easy for residents and their visitors to traverse the areas of the apartment seamlessly. The second storey is designed to be the client’s private space, where the master and guest bedrooms are found as well as the home office and a second large living area with small kitchenette, perfect for movie nights.
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Figure 2. Blues Point Tower, Maps
Note: Google Maps. (2022).
Location
Blues Point Rd, McMahons Point, NSW
Figure 3. RSL revealed as the owners of a Blues Point Tower unit.
Note: Real Estate. (2018).
Figure 4. Blues Point Tower.
Note: Wikipedia. (2022).
Figure 4. Blues Point Tower.
Note: Wikipedia. (2022).
Proposal
The current building located at the site is Blues Point Tower. It was designed by Australian Architect Harry Seidler and completed in 1962. It is a 26 level building with 144 apartments located on Sydney Harbours peninsula.
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For this proposal, Blues Point Tower will be replaced with a new and modern 56 storey apartment building. This new building has a circular footprint, so all residents will have views of the surrounding harbours and bays.
Figure 7. 215 Chrystie St Unit PH1.
Note: Apartments. (2022).
Precedent
Location: 215 Chrystie #1, New York, USA
This is an award winning apartment designed by Herzog and de Meuron, it has 4 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms. This apartment sits on the 32nd and 33rd floor with a 360 degree view of the city, creating the ultimate indoor-outdoor living experience along with the floor to ceiling windows.
Figure 6. 215 Chrystie St 1 New York.
Note: Zillow. (2021).
Figure 8. 215 Chrystie Street; Condo located in Lower East Side, between East Houston Street & Stanton Street.
Note: City Realty. (2022).
Figure 9. 215 Chrystie St #26W.
Note: Trulia. (2022).
Plan Development
Having an open floor plan for the first floor is very important for this apartment space. This is the ideal entertaining space for the client, meaning the spaces should flow into each other and be distinguished by how they are styled.
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Moving upstairs, this is a private realm. This floor needed to include a master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in-robe, a guest room and a home office.
Figure 10. Downstairs plan, option 1
Figure 11. Downstairs plan, option 2
Figure 12. Downstairs plan, option 3
Figure 13. Upstairs plan, option 1
Figure 14. Upstairs plan, option 2
Figure 15. Final Downstairs plan
Figure 16. Final Upstairs plan
This is the final plan of the double storey apartment. The first floor includes a large entry space that opens up to the dining space positioned right in front of the glass windows, taking advantage of the view of Sydney Harbour. To the right of the dining space is a luxurious and large living room perfect for entertaining and relaxing. This area also has access to a small balcony. The large and spacious kitchen hides behind a stone wall with a built in gas fire place.
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Going up the floating staircase you come up to the open home office with wooden slat wall to allow natural light to enter from the second living room. The guest bedroom has its own walk-in-robe and a bathroom next door for convenience. The second living space is quite open and features a small kitchenette. The master suite has access to the balcony and large floor to ceiling windows looking out towards the harbour. This private realm also features a large walk in wardrobe with plenty of storage spavce on either side and a ensuite with double vanity and bathtub.
Plan
Figure 17. AT cool neutral grey brown Color Palette.
Note: Color Hex. (2022).
Figure 18. Australia’s most expensive home revealed: One Sydney Harbour penthouse sells for over $140m.
Note: Real Estate. (2019).
Figure 19. 3 Modern Style Apartments Under 50 Square Meters.
Note: Home Designing. (2022).
Figure 20. Kitchen island that offers an extended dining table in wood.
Note: Decoist. (2014).
Figure 22. Vale Rocky Oak 5mm.
Note: National Tiles. (2022).
Moodboard
Figure 21. New Poliform Showroom in Vienna.
Note: Grün Beck. (n.d)
Figure 23. Pewter Frame.
Note: Style Source Book. (2021).
Figure 26. Winter Charm; Granite Grey.
Note: Godfrey Hirst. (2022).
Figure 29. Winter Charm; Bleached Shell.
Note: Godfrey Hirst. (2022).
Figure 24. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 27. Leather Granite.
Note: Euro Marble. (2022).
Figure 30. Linen Wallpaper - Camden.
Note: In Stitches Soft Furnishings. (2022).
Materiality
Figure 25. Calacatta Marble Italian Porcelain Tile.
Note: Tile Factory Outlet. (2022).
Figure 28. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 31. White oak.
Note: The Wood Database. (2022).
Figure 31. Entryway Sketch
Figure 33. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 34. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 35. Industrial Metal.
Note: Free Pik. (n.d).
Figure 32. Entry Door Designs.
Note: Zen Doors. (2022).
Concept Development
Entryway
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The entry is a serving space. It is the first impression guests will have when they first enter the apartment, therefore it should convey the same sense of style as the rest of the apartment. It should have a wow factor but also be a practical space for the residents who will come home after a long day of work.
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​
Figure 36. Entry Door Designs.
Note: Zen Doors. (2022).
Figure 37. Entryway, SketchUp
Figure 38. Kitchen Sketch
Figure 39. Kitchen island that offers an extended dining table in wood.
Note: Decoist. (2014).
Concept Development
Kitchen
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Is the serving space for the dining room, a lot of time is spent here, whether it’s after waking up to make a cup of coffee, or coming home from work to start preparing a meal, or entertaining guests for a dinner party.
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This kitchen features an island bench with waterfall bench top, integrated appliances, and electric stove top with a glass encased range hood above.
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Figure 40. Kitchen island that offers an extended dining table in wood.
Note: Decoist. (2014).
Figure 41. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 42. Laminex Stormcloud Flint Colour Collection.
Note: Laminex. (2022).
Figure 45. Dorf Vixen Retractable Sink Mixer Black.
Note: The Blue Space. (2022).
Figure 46. Globe Chandelier Lighting Fixture Clear Glass Bubble Clustered Pendant Lights Modern Lighting.
Note: Heparts Home.
Figure 37. Kitchen Sketch
Figure 43. Leather Granite.
Note: Euro Marble. (2022).
Figure 44. Kitchen, SketchUp
Concept Development
Dining
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Served space for eating, it provides a more intimate experience where personal interactions are important & are the main focus - key area for entertaining guests. The direct view should also be considered in this experience.
Figure 48. Nordic Pendant Light.
Note: Fat Shack Vintage. (2022).
Figure 47. Dining Sketch
Figure 49. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 50. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 51. Pippa Round Dining Table Black Large.
Note: Horgans. (2022).
Figure 52. Dining SketchUp
Figure 53. Dining SketchUp
Figure 54. Living Sketch
Figure 57. Long Beach Corner Sofa.
Note: Lounge Lovers. (2022).
Figure 59. Monaco Round Concrete Coffee Table.
Note: Coco Republic. (2022).
Figure 55. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 56. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Concept Development
Living 1​
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A served space made for relaxing but also for conversation & entertainment. There should be a sense of intimacy but should also be open & allow for many interactions to take place. With it being such a multi-functional space, the furniture should be comfortable as well as luxurious, after all to live comfortably is a luxury.
Figure 58. New Poliform Showroom in Vienna.
Note: Grün Beck. (n.d).
Figure 60. SketchUp, Living Room
Figure 61. Powder Room Sketch
Figure 64. Mila Brass Pendant Light.
Note: Vakker. (2022).
Figure 65. Caroma Contura Basin Set Matte Black.
Note: The Blue Space. (2022).
Figure 62. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 63. Calacatta Marble Italian Porcelain Tile.
Note: Tile Factory Outlet. (2022).
Figure 66. Design Rejects | Sleek Industrial Master Bath for 2
Note: Casework. (2018).
Concept Development
Powder Room​
​
The bathroom is a private realm of the apartment, though should be accessible from the public realm. It is a serving space for relaxing and thus should feel luxurious and spacious.
Figure 67. Automatic Sensor Faucet.
Note: Bath Select. (2022).
Figure 68. SketchUp Powder Room
Figure 69. Staircase Sketch
Figure 70. Pewter Frame.
Note: Style Source Book. (2022).
Figure 71. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 73. Floating Stairs.
Note: Keuka Studios. (2022).
Concept Development
Staircase​
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Stairs are a serving element for ascension and dissension between the two floors of the apartment.
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The stairs in. this apartment are L shaped and floating, with a glass balustrade.
Figure 72. SketchUp Staircase.
Concept Development
Master Bedroom​
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The bedroom is a served space for sleeping, it is part of the private realm. The master is placed at the end of a small corridor to create privacy by separating it from the entertaining space. Similar to the living room, luxury should not takeover comfort.
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This master features an ensuite bathroom, walk-in-robe and access to a small balcony with amazing views of the harbour.
Figure 75. Master Bedroom Sketch
Figure 76. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 77. Winter Charm; Granite Grey.
Note: Godfrey Hirst. (2022).
Figure 78. Washed OaK.
Note: Custom Furniture. (2022).
Figure 80. Kobe Timber Bed, King Bed, Black.
.Note: Coco Republic. (2022).
Figure 79. Edition 65 Lansell Rd, Toorak, VIC 3142 - Master Bedroom
.Note: Domain. (2019).
Figure 81. Montmartre Occasional Chair.
.Note: Coco Republic. (2022).
Figure 82. Knox Round Nesting Coffee Tables (set of 2).
.Note: Coco Republic. (2022).
Figure 83. SketchUp Master Bedroom
Concept Development
Walk-in-robe​
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Connected to the master bedroom, is a private space. This room is spacious and features wardrobes on the both sides with glass doors.
Figure 84. Sketch Walk-in-robe
Figure 85. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 86. Winter Charm; Granite Grey.
Note: Godfrey Hirst. (2022).
Figure 88. SketchUp Walk-in-robe
Figure 89. Sketch Ensuite
Figure 93. Phoenix Vivid Slimline Side Lever Sink Mixer 220mm Gooseneck Brushed Gold.
Note: The Blue Space. (2021).
Figure 94. Caroma Luna Overhead Shower Head Brushed Brass.
Note: The Blue Space.
Figure 90. Bathroom Inspiration.
Note: Domain. (2019).
Figure 95. Phoenix Vivid Slimline Wall Bath Set 180mm Curved-Brushed Gold.
Note: The Blue Space. (2021).
Concept Development
Ensuite​
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Connected to the master bedroom, is a private space. This room is spacious and features wardrobes on the both sides with glass doors.
Figure 91. White Corton Oak Laminate Flooring.
Note: Flooring Online. (2022).
Figure 92. Calacatta Marble Italian Porcelain Tile.
Note: Tile Factory Outlet. (2022).
Figure 96. Clark Round Freestanding Bath 1600mm.
Note: The Blue Space. (2022).
Figure 97. SketchUp Ensuite
Figure 99. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 100. Winter Charm; Bleached Shell.
Note: Godfrey Hirst. (2022).
Concept Development
Home office​
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The home study space should also be a private realm for the clients to focus on job requirements in a calming environment.
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The wooden slat wall allows for natural light to enter from the living space.
Figure 98. Sketch of home office space
Figure 101. Dining area is set apart from a wooden slat divider.
Note: Renonation. (2018).
Figure 104. SketchUp Home office
Figure 106. Calacatta Marble Italian Porcelain Tile.
Note: Tile Factory Outlet. (2022).
Figure 107. Phoenix Vivid Slimline Oval Vessel Mixer-Matte Black.
Note: The Blue Space. (2022).
Concept Development
Bathroom​
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The bathroom is it’s own private realm of the apartment, though it should be accessible from the public realm. It’s a serving space for relaxing and thus should feel luxurious and spacious.
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This bathroom features a large double vanity and spacious walk in shower.
Figure 105. Sketch of upstairs bathroom
Figure 109. SketchUp Bathroom
Figure 108. Bathroom of a private house in Kiev.
Note: Behance. (n.d).
Figure 111. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 110. Sketch of guest bedroom
Figure 113. Linen Wallpaper - Camden.
Note: In Stitches Soft Furnishings. (2022).
Figure 112. Winter Charm; Bleached Shell.
Note: Godfrey Hirst. (2022).
Concept Development
Guest Bedroom​
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The bedroom is a served space for sleeping, it is part of the private realm. It is placed away from the public realm to create privacy by separating it from the entertaining space.
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This bedroom also includes its own small walk-in-robe. ​
Figure 117. SketchUp Guest Bedroom
Figure 119. Dulux - Natural White.
Note: The Big Paint Sample. (2022).
Figure 120. Winter Charm; Bleached Shell.
Note: Godfrey Hirst. (2022).
Concept Development
Upstairs Living Room​
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This served private space made for relaxing after a long day of work. It is designed to be cozy, comfortable and convenient, hence the small kitchenette and big screen television.
Figure 118. Sketch of upstairs living
Figure 123. SketchUp upstairs living
Figure 124. SketchUp upstairs living
