A Curation of Apertures – Aria Apartment by Julia English Architects and McGregor Westlake

With views the keen focus of Apartment Aria, the formal and spatial approach is founded on uninterrupted sightlines and the curation of apertures. Julia English Architects and McGregor Westlake combine to create a warm and textural enclave from which to view some of Sydney’s most iconic offerings.

Idyllically perched in Kirribilli, Apartment Aria is enviably located, with wide-spanning views of some of Sydney and the surrounding harbour landscape’s most iconic landmarks. Through subtle planning shifts and the use of select materiality and finished details, apertures are created that funnel views outward, allowing a hierarchy to be created while moving through and using the spaces. The circulation internally takes on a similar approach, where apertures concentrate sightlines toward artwork and detailed elements between spaces, creating a sense of balance with the outward focus. Opening up to views of Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House, and the Sydney Harbour, the apartment and its views are a reminder of place, with this same spirit brought inward to connect the interiors to their context. Julia English Architects and McGregor Westlake join forces to bring this highly detailed and refined residence to life.

Through colour and tonality, the key amenity of the apartment is spatially defined by its central location and deepened finishes, which then radiate outward toward the view, becoming lighter and encouraging a natural interplay with incoming light.

Built by Paul Brandon Building and with joinery by David Reddy Furniture and Glen Sheldon, Apartment Aria is defined by its darkened core and the resulting hierarchy created. Through colour and tonality, the key amenity of the apartment is spatially defined by its central location and deepened finishes, which then radiate outward toward the view, becoming lighter and encouraging a natural interplay with incoming light. The same core gesture houses the services, concealed fixtures, bathrooms, bar and key thresholds into other rooms. The use of contrast not only allows the eye to focus but helps to define framed aspects outward and to focus movement through spaces.

As a reworking of an existing apartment, the spaces needed to be reconsidered and opened up to make better sense of how they are used and interconnect. The proportions of the previous spaces also did not align with how modern apartments are occupied and, as a result, the plan felt confused. Now, a sense of journey both through the various spaces and toward the view creates a more natural sequencing. Further emphasised by matching timber and plaster tones to the artwork and features used throughout, the sense of deliberation is palpable.

Opening up to views of Circular Quay, the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour, the apartment and its views are a reminder of place, with this same matched spirit brought inward connecting to context.

Through a considered reworking internally, the resulting planning and finish mechanisms of Apartment Aria beautifully grasp its enviable location. Through the combined efforts of Julia English Architects and McGregor Westlake.