Home Theatre
[ Sydney ]
INTERIOR DESIGNER Brooke Aitken Design, Photography PRUE RUSCOE Styling MEGAN MORTON
ICONIC SYDNEY VIEWS AND A PENCHANT FOR PARIS informed the reworking of two apartments into one, explains architect and interior designer Brooke Aitken of Brooke Aitken Design. “We felt it important that it has a conversation with that incredible icon of a building,” says Brooke. “We designed the bedroom as a contemporary reminder of the owner’s time spent in her favourite locale, so every night she can feel a bit of Paris is with her.” How did you become involved with this project? The long-time owner, Elizabeth Pakchung, contacted our firm. We had met before through other clients and she had been following our work. Elizabeth is currently on the boards of 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art, the Asian Australian Artists Association and the National Portrait Gallery. What were the challenges of the space and how did you resolve them? The apartment block was designed by Marjorie Boyle Architect for Sir Eric and Lady McClintock and Mr and Mrs Jon Cleary, the author, in 1970 for use as both their residences. Jon was very concerned about privacy and the bottom level of this two-floored apartment had closed itself away from the incredible view, providing only high-level windows and no external space. It had very small internal stairs set in a difficult location in the floor plate, and the kitchen was set back into the building with only one door connection to the dining with no view out to the harbour. Elizabeth was also very concerned about longevity of use of the apartment into her future knowing how difficult access can be in older years. We resolved these issues by opening up the space to the view in all areas that we could. We created a balcony to the master bedroom with large sliding doors so that every morning she can wake to that scene. Our stairwell was rearranged so that it did not cut into living space, and we demolished walls throughout the main floor so that the kitchen, dining and living all flowed towards that view. What was the starting point for the interiors? Elizabeth had a very good brief in both visual and physical requirements and her love for Parisian design was a major factor in our response. How would you describe the completed interior? A mix of Elizabeth’s passion and our design eye. It’s a space designed to entertain in but also one to feel comfortable in when home alone. The design had to complement and consider the view as another artwork rather than the entire focus. We were able to push boundaries such as designing bespoke polka dot tiles to complement the Fornasetti tiles in the powder room. Elizabeth suggested materials and finishes that we crafted into architectural elements which were remarkable – such as creating a kitchen island that extended into a dining table in Calacatta Vagli marble at nearly 6m long. What are some of your favourite elements? The stairwell that spins under the Lindy Lee artwork, Listening to the Moon, in front of the Opera House view. What do you enjoy about being in the space? Elizabeth is so happy with it and is constantly entertaining as a consummate host with her effervescent nature. She was an incredible client who, regardless of the issues that arose on site, always trusted the process. brookeaitkendesign.com.au
PASTEL POWERED
[ Gold Coast ]
INTERIOR DESIGNERS SJB,