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DESIGN | A thoughtful renovation of a 1970s Sydney Apartment
DESIGN
A thoughtful renovation of a 1970s Sydney Apartment
At CULTIVER, we believe every space should tell a story, one that reflects the lives within. In conversation with Dean Williams, Director of Sydney-based studio, Architect George, we explore the quiet power of thoughtful renovation. Their recent project Overthorpe, a transformed 1970s apartment nestled within heritage-listed gardens, honours the original character while embracing a contemporary way of living.
Rather than starting again, they layered memory with modernity; honouring the old while quietly welcoming the new. Alongside the project, we spoke about creativity, inspiration and the values that guide their work. The result is a home that feels both personal and contemporary. A space that reflects the people who live in it. Take the tour.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what you do?
We are Architect George, a small studio based in Sydney established less than four years ago. We are committed to design excellence and a collaborative approach to architecture, interiors, furniture making, landscape and anything design related that someone will throw our way!
What does creativity mean to you and where do you source your inspiration?
Creativity is about exploration and problem solving through pushing boundaries. Our inspiration comes from context and client sensitivities, in the hope that enhances the experience of place and people.
How would you describe the aesthetic of your practice?
In some ways we hope that you can’t pick it. We certainly do not attempt to re-invent the wheel with every project, but we strive for individuality in every project. The nuances of a client brief are very interesting to us, and we use this briefing aspect of our role as architects to drive the direction of unique architectural outcomes, reflecting the people that dwell within.
Tell us about this project, what was the brief and the inspiration?
Nestled within heritage-listed gardens, Overthorpe is a late 1970s multi-residential complex and grounds. For clients who have owned the apartment since its conception, the renovation seeks to playfully take cue from the original finishes that remained. The design makes sure the client’s lives do not disappear and there is still a sense of home, which is now more suited to a contemporary lifestyle. Removing layers of adornment and a few non-structural walls spatially opens the plan and creates direct views to the gardens beyond. The interior concept is to give the apartment a new lease of life, but rather than starting again, it is a continuation of the narrative over time and is about making space for a new era or generation. The material selections are limited, but not boring. The colours and textures are derived from an existing carpet, floor, wall, or piece of furniture and create vibrancy in their layering.
What are some of your most loved elements?
The apartment is an example of how interior design can pick up on moments of an existing home that are working and adapt these through a minimally invasive approach to suit a desired contemporary lifestyle. An example of this is the new semi-precious red carpet that is of a similar hue to the original. Or the cove lighting detail that runs the perimeter of the living room, replacing a directly stuck LED strip light by the client, who was trying to achieve a soft light quality for the space.
What architecture and design styles are you inspired by?
People and places that experiment, push the limits of materials and detailing.
What makes a house feel like a home to you?
A place that speaks to your personality and way of living. A home is a reflection of memories, experiences and personal choices. As an architectural element, this might be access to natural light, framed views to the outside or the choice of colour and materials. As an amphoral element, this might be as simple as the scent of something cooking in the kitchen.
What does the term ‘luxury’ mean to you?
Luxury is different for everyone. For us, luxury is having the privilege to work on something rare, meaningful or special, rather than just focusing on price. Luxury in the spaces we design is about appreciating something for the unique value it adds to your everyday life, it’s okay if this is sometimes an expensive piece of furniture.
What are your daily rituals?
I’ll wake up to the day with a gym class to get the body moving, followed by an immediate coffee whilst walking my dog. Our workday at Architect George is varied: whether it be designing, meeting with clients, or walking through one of our projects that are currently in construction with our builders. Mostly creative, with a little bit of life admin thrown in. An evening consists of unwinding with a glass of wine with a friend and debriefing with my partner about the day before, collapsing into our CULTIVER bedding.
