Hopewood, by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects, an 11th-floor Darling Point apartment, was built as a blank canvas for a duo of reasons. Firstly, the renovation was completed with the intention of selling, so the future inhabitant was unknown. Secondly, the north-facing space possesses some of the finest views in Sydney, with 270-degree vistas stretching panoramically from the Sydney Harbour Bridge across to North Head and around to Rose Bay.
The space, two apartments that had been merged by a prior owner, comprised a series of small, jumbled rooms. The early stages of the project revealed that the only structural necessity was the building’s concrete exoskeleton, which laid the foundation for a full opening of the space, removing the interior walls that blocked the expansive view, and creating an open-air space that flows seamlessly from kitchen to living and dining, and takes full advantage of the vista beyond. The balcony was integrated with the space to design a room that blurs the lines between indoor and out. At the same time, the use of delicately reflective Scarpa travertine mosaic tiles from Surface Gallery on the floor evokes a sense of floating inside the horizon.
“Removing the interior walls that blocked the expansive view, and creating an open-air space takes full advantage of the vista beyond.”
Fixed elements of the design, like the apartment’s entry space and central steel column, are given as much creativity and attention, with the former being anchored in Breccia Pernice marble to mindfully centre guests as they enter the space and the latter being expanded with integrated storage to create the perfect wall for a statement piece of art.
Given the requirement for on-sale appeal, the focus for the interiors was to create a home that felt cosy and warm, while still allowing the future purchasers the freedom to make it their own. The solution was found in earthy hues and natural materials such as travertine, timber and rich marble that, in line with the incredible views, brought the outside in. Curved lines and soft materials were a focus for the furnishings, such as the cantilevered MR10 chair by Thonet and the leather Le Mura sofa by Tacchini, which help to bring a relaxed, lived-in, yet high-end air to each room.
“The focus for the interiors was to create a home that felt cosy and warm… the solution was found in earthy hues and natural materials.”
Marble architraves are used on the entryways to forge a sense of continuity as you move through the instinctively designed floor plan. Each space has its own merits, from the custom Navona travertine bath, to the American oak joinery in the walk-in wardrobe, while still centring around the apartment’s north star; its defining view.
