1960s domesticity is swept away in the transformation of this two-bedroom apartment, home to an architect and artist/teacher. To bring natural light and views into the living zones, the plan was redrawn and rooms re-oriented to improve both the aesthetics, functionality and light in this relatively compact home.

The kitchen was relocated from its prime northerly corner to a central spot beside the hallway, allowing the living area to occupy the sunny north corner, with inbuilt furniture to streamline its use. Sliding corner doors allow the adjoining second bedroom to open up to the living area, or be completely separated as needed. To keep the kitchen sculptural and spare, a walk-in pantry/laundry, fridge, storage and wine cellar are concealed in the hallway joinery, making functional use of a typically wasted zone.

A timeless material palette of concrete, stainless steel and blonde-wood lend effortless calm to these spaces, while in the bathroom, a lot of experimenting was done to prefect the curved raw concrete forms of the bath and handbasin. The results inspired the name Inala, an Aboriginal word meaning ‘resting place’.