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An apartment inherited from a grandparent has been thoughtfully restored and refreshed by Bokey Grant Architects. Named after the initials of the clients, Mary and Ben, MB Apartment updates an interior of a 1960’s blonde brick building that’s been frozen in the same state for 35 years. An opportunity to make their newly acquired space truly their own, the clients commissioned the Sydney architect to truly reflect their personality in the project. In doing so, once a rather cramped apartment with some minor construction flaws, is now graced with a modern and minimalist aesthetic.

Situated in a quiet suburb of Drummoyne, on top of a slope that gives a glimpse of the Sydney CBD skyline and the Harbour Bridge, the 86 square metre floorplan presented with an irregularly shaped footprint housing two bedrooms, one bathroom organised neatly towards the west, living room in the north, and the powder/ laundry, and a near-enclosed large kitchen pinched outwards towards the south-east end.

Working with a limited budget, Bokey Grant maintained the majority of the footprint while simultaneously balancing out oddly rationed spaces. Bedrooms were retained, though one does function as a studio/study space. The former kitchen that once awkwardly consumed the south-end is converted to a pair of benches paralleled to each other effectively connecting to the living room, while the remainder is made into storage – something one can never have too much of.

Reflecting the architect’s refined aesthetics, the walls are painted in a crisp, energetic white while the local hardwood grounds the floor. Peculiar pockets that were once walled-off have been exposed to offer storage for the couple’s musical instruments. The pocket curve at the entrance is mimicked in the newly added shower in the bathroom – neatly lined with white chocolate kit-kat tiles to match the vertical grained joinery and bark-speckled terrazzo. Where there is a curve, the architect wholly embraces it and replicates it with grace.

Taking the clients’ routine into consideration, both who practice and record music and sometimes work into the late hours – an operable wall is introduced in front of the corridor connected to the bedrooms and living space, offering added acoustic insulation. Mechanics of the wall are disguised with a thin lintel-like bulkhead that wraps around the edges of the room before transitioning to a lightly lifted ceiling. Areas that expose some of the unwanted services are neatly tucked away for a clean feel.

Sometimes the greatest statements take a little bit of seeing what possibilities can be hidden within the existing space before completely changing everything. MB Apartments excels in this approach – with subtle gestures that work to accommodate the clients, it speaks volumes on what thoughtfulness and consideration can do within a home.

Related: JJ House in Lilyfield, Sydney by Bokey Grant Architects.

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