This project designed by McGregor Westlake Architecture called for the complete interior refurbishment of an apartment with dress circle views of Circular Quay, The Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. A concept diagram was developed based on a collection of paintings by Dorothy Napangardi, one of which was dominated by a deep black ground. As a foil to this centrally placed work, a rich warm chocolate “Dark Core’ was inserted through the centre of the plan, dividing the living and bedroom areas. Photography by Brett Boardman.

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The dark core organises and abstracts all the services including the kitchen, bar, laundry and “powder room”, whilst acting as a threshold between the bedrooms and living area. Everything outside of the core became a pale high key finish.

The plan was carefully revised to add a separate dining area and deal with privacy issues. A direct lift entry called for a “foyer wall”, which introduces the “Core”, with a small homage to Utzon’s unbuilt SOH interiors.

In association with Julia English Architects.