Water front apartment.

Perched on the sixth floor of a beachfront apartment building in Manly, this renovation was designed for an Australian retiree returning home after years living between Europe and Asia. Drawn to its unique position overlooking the coastline from Shelly Beach across Manly and towards Sydney’s northern beaches, the client wanted a home that fully embraced its extraordinary setting.

The original apartment felt dark, compartmentalised and disconnected from the view. Internal walls restricted natural light and isolated the kitchen from the living spaces. The design response centred on opening the apartment to light, air and the horizon. Walls were removed to create a generous open-plan kitchen, dining and living area that frames uninterrupted ocean views and improves flow throughout the home.

A restrained material palette reinforces a calm coastal atmosphere, allowing the landscape beyond to remain the focal point. Natural stone, microcement and timber veneer were selected for their warmth, durability and longevity. A sculptural kitchen island with an integrated suspended solid timber table forms the centrepiece of the apartment.

Working within the constraints of a Class 2 building and a sixth-floor site required careful coordination, particularly in replacing glazing with larger high-performance windows and transporting materials. The result is a refined, light-filled home deeply connected to its coastal setting.