Perched high above Sydney Harbour, this Darling Point penthouse had all the ingredients of an exceptional home, save for one thing: a layout that truly engaged with its setting. Untouched for more than 50 years, the apartment remained compartmentalised and inward-looking despite its remarkable outlook.
We spoke with James Elias, Senior Project Manager at Mr & Mrs Elias, about reimagining the apartment around light, view and an evolving art collection, and the craftsmanship behind its defining stone elements.
Tell us about the site context.
Located within a 1960s penthouse apartment building in Darling Point, Sydney, the project occupies a harbourside position with expansive views toward both the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. While the apartment benefited from an exceptional outlook, the original layout had remained largely untouched for more than 50 years — compartmentalised, inward-looking and disconnected from both light and view.
The contrast between what the apartment was and what it could be became the starting point for every decision. Internal walls were removed to open sightlines across the apartment, allowing natural light and harbour views to become central to the daily experience of the home. The resulting spaces feel quieter, lighter and more connected to the landscape beyond.
What can you tell us about the client and their brief?
The client was relocating from Singapore back to Sydney to begin a new chapter and wanted a home that felt calm, refined and enduring. He approached Mr & Mrs Elias seeking a complete architectural redesign and build service — from strata approvals through to design and delivery — drawn specifically to the integrated design-and-construct model, where a single accountable team could manage the full complexity of the transformation without compromise between design intent and construction reality.
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A strong appreciation for art heavily informed the brief. The apartment was conceived from the outset as a considered stage for an evolving collection — not a finished interior, but a backdrop calibrated to welcome future works without competing with them. Equally important was creating a sense of openness and ease, allowing the apartment to feel calm, comfortable and deeply connected to the harbour setting.
What are the key material and structural choices?
The material palette centres around Taj Mahal natural stone from Lux Marble, used extensively throughout the apartment to create continuity and material warmth. The stone appears across the kitchen, bathrooms, floor inlays, skirtings and, most prominently, within the custom-designed cantilevered fireplace and TV unit.
Structurally, the floating stone TV unit became one of the project’s defining engineering achievements. In close collaboration with engineers, the team developed a concealed support system that allowed the element to read as a seamless monolithic form without visible structural intervention.
Herringbone timber flooring by Havwoods and wool carpet by Bremworth introduce softness and tactility, while custom joinery in The Oaks veneer by New Age Veneers balances the more monolithic stone surfaces with warmth and texture.
How does the design improve the way the apartment functions?
A major focus of the redesign was improving spatial flow and functionality within the existing footprint. The original apartment felt heavily segmented, so the plan was reconfigured to prioritise openness and connection to view.
The study was merged with the living space through the introduction of architectural glass partitions, creating a more adaptable environment that supports both work and everyday living. Functional zones including the kitchen, laundry and WC were carefully concealed so the primary living areas remain visually calm and centred around the harbour outlook.
In the main bedroom, the ensuite entry was repositioned to allow the bed to directly face the water — a subtle but transformative gesture that significantly improved the experience of the space.
Tell us about the furniture, lighting and art selections.
Furniture and styling by Corina Koch balance contemporary European pieces with vintage elements and sculptural forms. Key selections include Mario Bellini Cab Chairs from Mobilia, the Edra Cipria Armchair from Space Furniture, the Prado Settee from DOMO, vintage cane furniture from Secondi and custom pieces from Boyd Blue and Hegi Design House. Rugs from Rug Establishment and Cadrys soften the architectural lines and introduce an additional layer of texture and warmth.
Lighting selections were intentionally understated yet expressive, including the Moooi Heracleum III suspension from Space Furniture, Attalos fluted brass wall lights from The Lighting Collective and Flo Round sconces by Soktas.
Art was central to the design direction and informed many of the spatial and material decisions from the outset. The apartment was conceived as a calm backdrop for an evolving collection, with works by Marisa Purcell, Michael Taylor, Peter Summers, Rick Carlino, Anna Curnuck and Morgan Stokes introducing colour, depth and visual softness throughout the home.
What are your favourite moments in the project?
One of the most rewarding moments within the project is the cantilevered Taj Mahal stone fireplace and TV unit, which appears to float seamlessly within the living space. Spanning 4.6 metres and weighing more than 400 kilograms, the element required close collaboration with engineers to achieve the desired monolithic form without visible structural support. The result feels sculptural, reading more as architecture than furniture.
We also value the quieter moments of craftsmanship throughout the apartment. The Taj Mahal stone floor inlays were set perfectly flush with the engineered herringbone timber flooring and surrounding walls, demanding an extraordinary level of precision during construction. While subtle, these details contribute significantly to the calm and highly resolved atmosphere of the home.
More broadly, the project succeeds in balancing minimalism with warmth. Despite its restraint, the apartment feels deeply liveable and connected to its owners.
