This 1950s north-facing courtyard apartment, close to Sydney Harbour, had been re-styled in the early '80s by previous owners. The rooms were claustrophobic with restricted light coming in to the main living space tucked between the kitchen wall and a largely unused balcony enclosed by fixed, dark timber shutters. Decoratively, the interiors were in classic Tuscan yellow mixed with a dusky purple and dark olive with honey timber cabinetry and flooring. All light absorbing.

The double brick walls provided an excellent shell from which to begin. This was the only structure left largely untouched by the end.

The key was opening up the living space to bring in the light. In moving the kitchen from the centre of the apartment to the office space in the north-west corner provided the basis for the plan. Demolishing the wall between living room and balcony added further open living space allowing a cross-breeze from common front garden to back. The bathroom, while remaining relatively small, was extended by removing a hallway linen cupboard, making room for a large luxurious walk-in shower and dual-basin vanity. 

Raising the courtyard to floor level transformed the apartment to an entirely new level of sophistication. Decoration inside was deliberately kept simple in order to not compete with the garden which is the focal point, and particularly beautiful at night under light.