
In 1985, a historic Redfern warehouse built in 1903 as McMurties Shoe Factory underwent one of Sydney’s first warehouse-to-apartment transformations. Today, Studio Noakes has worked their magic refurbishing one of the apartments. The building’s heritage shines through high ceilings, hardwood columns and exposed rafters. The studio carefully restored and enhanced these industrial features, seamlessly blending history with a contemporary aesthetic. Bold colours, expansive forms and textured spaces highlight the client’s dynamic art collection, showcasing works from local talents. Fusing natural, vintage and iconic pieces has created a vibrant harmony in this young artist’s home. The result is a space that balances historical character with creative energy, reflecting the vibrancy of its inner-city surroundings.

















This West Village courtyard garden by Harrison Green extends the 19th-century townhouse into an inviting outdoor space. A level change defines two areas: a cobblestone dining space with potted topiary and a gravel rear garden with soft perennials. A reclaimed brick wall adds warmth, while pleached Linden trees provide privacy without obstructing views. An antique stone trough, transformed into a water feature with a bronze spout, anchors the garden’s design. This thoughtful layout blends historic charm with functionality, creating a space to enjoy and explore.







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Photography by Blaine Davis.

The Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit project highlights the environmental, social, and financial advantages of retrofitting Melbourne’s inner-city apartments. Kennedy Nolan implemented a ‘minimal-intervention’ approach to upgrade a 1970s Fitzroy apartment block. The retrofit improved thermal performance, extended the building’s lifespan and enhanced tenant amenities. Key goals included achieving net-positive energy, reducing water demands, minimizing construction waste and carbon emissions and promoting zero-waste operations. The project retained the building structure, added efficient water systems, a 33kW rooftop solar array and heat recovery ventilation. Tenants enjoy up to 80% bill savings, with two units offered below market rates through non-profit real estate agency HomeGround.






















Photography by Eve Wilson.

It’s like I say week in week out. If you have to work on the weekend it helps if it’s somewhere stylish. Mille Headquarters by Anne McDonald Design.














Photography by Laure Joliet.

Monroe Street House, a fully renovated 1899 brick rowhouse, combines historic charm with modern, sunlit interiors for a multi-generational family. TBo‘s design retains the Federal-style character while adding a spacious concrete-framed extension, featuring raw, natural materials that will develop a beautiful patina over time. Inside, airy rooms with lime-plastered walls contrast the exposed brick and Douglas fir ceiling beams lend warmth and texture. The ground floor studio opens into a polished concrete space, blending smoothly into the garden. Each floor emphasizes openness, with large windows and doors inviting light, creating a serene, flexible living space that seamlessly blends old and new.
















Photography by Matthew Williams.