How Chenchow Little Architects transformed a 1970s apartment into a modernist masterpiece

This modernist apartment with 360-degree views of Sydney Harbour has been transformed into a personal gallery space and home for downsizing art collectors.

The clients, who had lived in a large house for many years, engaged architecture firm Chenchow Little Architects to update the 1970s flat occupying the entire seventh floor of a high-rise block in Darling Point.

The geometric shape of the unit resembles a wedge overlooking the harbour towards the heads to the east and the Harbour Bridge and Opera House to the west.

As long-standing benefactors of the Australian art community, the owners wanted a place that could house their art collection, while capitalising on breathtaking views.

Architects Tony Chenchow and Stephanie Little incorporated a series of sliding panels in the 160 square metre property so it could accommodate all 25 paintings.

“We measured the surface area of the walls, and it wasn’t large enough to display all of their paintings,” says Chenchow. “We had to work out a system, or strategy, to display the artwork, and we decided to layer the artworks behind one other using a series of panels.

“It also enables the owners to play a curatorial role, as they can easily make changes.”

The wood panelling throughout allows the art to take centre stage, in addition to softening the abundant natural light. “Being on the seventh floor, and facing the harbour, an early decision was made not to have white walls,” says Chenchow.

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“The clients’ previous house had a lot of timber panelling, so we specified American oak panels, as they have a nice medium colour … This reduced the glare and gave the apartment a lot more warmth.”

The pared-back palette of materials continues into the kitchen, helping the space to blend with the remainder of the living area.

The American oak joinery is framed in fine white steel. The horizontal banding is a visual trick that appears to elongate the kitchen. The cabinets are on slender steel feet, creating the illusion that they are floating.

Other features include sliding doors that allow the room to be closed off when the owners are entertaining guests, and Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances.

The three bathrooms each comprise a different aesthetic, with a powder room featuring curved mirrored walls and the two en suites off the main bedroom and office comprising pink and blue Corian, respectively.

“Each bathroom has its own experience and colour palette, which was a very conscious decision on the part of the client, who wanted that element of surprise in the apartment,” says Chenchow.

“When you walk into the bathroom, you get that splash of colour.”