Elevating an Icon – Astor Apartment by Madeleine Blanchfield Architects

Drawing from an established connection to the heritage of the building, Astor Apartment sees a contemporary overlay both update and retain the layered narrative of the residence. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects opens and recalibrates the interior to better connect to the encircling views whilst retaining the existing charm of its 1920s architecture.

Like many of the iconic architectural stories within Sydney, The Astor stands as a reminder of a stylistic and experimental past. Primely located in the centre of the city, the generous 13-storey apartment building is both State Heritage listed and stands as a prime example of the inter-war free classical style. Whilst the original steel windows and reinforced concrete shell remain, ensuring the continued relevance of the apartment as a contemporary home meant the internal space required alteration. Opening the interior and creating better connections to the surrounding views sets the scene for the creation of an enlarged kitchen as a key gathering space and the connective point between other living spaces. Madeleine Blanchfield Architects carefully navigates the existing outer shell and inner structural limitations to propose the newly modern iteration.

Whilst the original steel windows and reinforced concrete shell remain, ensuring the continued relevance of the apartment as a contemporary home meant the internal space required alteration.

Limited to any radical alterations internally, One Up Building worked within the existing concrete and steel shell to create a residence of contrasting lightness. The new layout ensures the heritage façade and its handcrafted features continue to be celebrated whilst allowing for spacious and bright interior spaces, such as the kitchen, to be opened and become the central beating heart of the structure. With a freshly darkened staining of the timber flooring underfoot, the blanketing of the vertical surfaces in a consistent white creates the ideal base. Integrated joinery supports everyday amenities whilst also displaying a collection of treasured objects and items.

Looking out towards the Sydney Opera House, the original steel windows are a timeless feature. By clearing the interior and layering soft textures, the visual opacity internally and out to the views beyond are better realised. Both as a reflection of how homes are occupied, and how such cross pollination of function occurs, working within the limits of the existing structural allowances was key. Although a limited space, the placement and curation of furniture, artwork and lighting allows the owner to ensure their presence and the home’s past fills the space, whilst the new bathroom, kitchen and open living space reflect a fresh start.

As a considered blend of old and new, Astor Apartment is animated from within.

As a considered blend of old and new, Astor Apartment is animated from within. Through a better alignment and recalibration of its overall orientation and openness, Madeleine Blanchfield Architects has created a lasting home that celebrates its past whilst allowing for unique personal expression.