Madeleine Blanchfield Architects revise a top-floor apartment in Sydney through a meticulously minimalist approach.
Madeleine Blanchfield Architects maximised light and space in their considerate rework of a penthouse in Sydney’s Darling Point. Located in a red brick building dating back to the 1960s, the team met a series of challenges to deliver on a new rooftop pavilion, together with a series of resolved spaces exemplifying the design intent in its most pure form.
The penthouse features a rooftop pavilion overlooking Darling Point. Notable pieces include the Cappellini Bong Side Table and Tribu Neutra Easy Chair.
The apartment refurbishment is characterised by pared-down and open spaces. The steel pavilion on the upper level is a contemporary addition to the home’s Mid-century character, letting the penthouse embark on a new chapter of modern livability. Here, aluminium sliding doors welcome a fresh breeze indoors while in the dining and kitchen space original windows provide scenic views of Darling Point.
Madeleine Blanchfield Architects set out to make the most of the existing space. Much of the original fabric was incorporated in the modern make-over such as the beams in the kitchen, creating an increased sense of space despite the low ceiling height. “All lighting had to be surface mounted so we could grab extra ceiling height and existing windows tweaked to work with new room layouts,” Madeleine Blanchfield adds.
“The project exemplifies excellence in interior design through its absence of ego and showmanship.”
– Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
The living space features the Little Petra Lounge Chair by Viggo Boesen for &Tradition, CH25 Chair by Hans J. Wegner, Wittmann Grain Cut Side Table and custom coffee table designed by Madeleine Blanchfield.
The Vitra Butterfly Stool, Karakter Lampada da Terra and 051 Capitol Complex Chair in the living room.
Madeleine Blanchfield Architects envisioned a minimal, white interior warmed by natural materials such as timber to address the complexities of the brief. Noted by Kinn Construction as one of the most challenging concrete pours they have undertaken, polished concrete flooring underpins the rooftop pavilion. Below, oak floors and all-white walls shape the communal areas.
Notable design pieces in natural finishes sit elegantly alongside Madeleine Blanchfield’s custom furniture. The living space features the Little Petra Lounge Chair by Viggo Boesen, 051 Capitol Chair by Pierre Jeanneret and CH25 Chair by Hans J. Wegner surrounding a coffee table Madeleine Blanchfield designed – that also appeared in her own home. The CH24 Wishbone Chairs by Hans J. Wegner create a place to gather in the dining space and appreciate the view, complementing the all-white palette in the kitchen.
With a careful approach to the original penthouse, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects’ refurbishment establishes a calm, light and refined atmosphere. By stripping back any unnecessary elements, The Darling Point Penthouse prioritises a serene experience, defined by a connection to its prized outlook.
The bathroom features the Cassina Tabouret Berger Stool.
“Lighting, materials and furnishings were all selected to support the complexities of the brief rather than as a pure design exercise.”
– Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
The Foscarini Buds 2 Table Lamp integrates seamlessly into the monochrome interior palette.
I love everything about this design. Appeals to my minimalist design sensitivities and has a number of my favorite furniture pieces in there. Some of them are in my home too!