District
Home to a couple and their children, this three-bedroom Sydney penthouse by Co:Aika reimagines the conventional idea of a family residence in the heart of the city.
Drawing on lessons from previous projects, the clients approached the design process with clarity and openness, helping shape District into what it is today. Design studio Co:Aika translated the clients’ vision with care, creating intentional spaces that serve both family life and the needs of their guests.
Honed marble tiles underfoot and timber-lined surfaces at the entry, together with the family’s mirrored gold wall art, set the tone for the grandeur and sophistication that unfolds deeper within the home. The entrance’s intricate craftsmanship and relaxed, gallery-like quality speak to the penthouse’s underlying duality: refined yet welcoming. Material choices continue to define distinct spaces throughout. In the primary bedroom, sage Aquarzo quartzite from Artedomus wraps the surfaces, creating a soothing atmosphere echoed by the jade-toned upholstered bedhead.
Oversized timber pillars divide the corridors into primary communal and entertaining zones, while a large sliding door, concealed as another timber-finished surface, allows the family quarters to be tucked away. A gridded feature ceiling in the lounge, a brass-clad powder room with a generously scaled basin, and a bar-style kitchen island reflect a collector’s approach to furniture and objects, seamlessly integrated with the overall design. Additional focal points include teal- and aquamarine-tiled joinery and red Rosso Alicante marble on the kitchen bench. Lighting and furniture also play a key role in shaping the interior, with strategically placed decorative lighting creating a dynamic and intriguing atmosphere throughout the residence.
As a house evolves over time, the changes made by its residents leave a gentle imprint on the original composition of textures and colours. The penthouse’s material palette is designed to accommodate this evolution, allowing the home to adapt gracefully with the family.
In a city where convenience often comes at a hefty price, the creative freedom granted by the clients made it possible to shape a bespoke sanctuary within a highly metropolitan setting. Co:Aika curated each space with the intention of revealing something beyond its expected function. “The team has been instrumental in helping us turn this apartment into the inner-city sanctuary that we were looking for,” says the owners. “The end product is something that we are extremely happy with and proud of.”
