This garden apartment is a reborn ground-floor home located in Neutral Bay. Owners Susan and Liam set out with a singular vision to introduce stronger connections between the inside spaces and enclosed north-facing garden, while creating a spacious yet private living environment.

After moving back to Sydney from careers overseas, they wanted to transform the existing three bedroom apartment into their forever home. The strategy to create a light-filled, spacious and fully integrated living environment required the design stage to overcome the constraint of the existing small, disconnected rooms. 

This was achieved by integrating the south-facing balcony, while the removal of internal study/third bedroom walls made way for expansive living, dining, and kitchen zones, perfect for the impromptu clinking of glasses with friends. Skilled structural engineering required only a single column to support the upper levels where three walls had been removed.

Interior designer Susan brought timeless texture to the bathroom with a salvaged ironbark vanity (procured by wonderful joiner Brett Maher), basaltina stone vanity top and durable travertine flooring. The balance of contemporary vibe and earthy materiality extended to the hardwood floors in the living spaces, while dark kitchen cabinetry and bench-tops set an inviting centre-stage mood for mealtimes.

Outside the northern courtyard was raised to meet the level of the internal floor, and a large new sliding door further blurs the distinction between interiors and the garden area. A welcoming sensory retreat whenever a good book calls.

An operable louvre system, installed above the north-facing courtyard, provides essential sun shading below and privacy from the upper floor neighbours, while allowing for adjustable light levels within the living room. 

From the street it appears little has changed. Yet, behind the front door lies the reveal of a new story of light, craft and comfort.