Newstead Apartment by Partridge Daniels

Newstead Apartment by Partridge Daniels is a subtropical sanctuary in the sky. Sitting atop a mixed-use building in buzzing inner-city Brisbane and rich in colour, texture and greenery, this home sits in welcome contrast to the commercial environment within which it exists.

The clients, a young professional couple, purchased the penthouse upon relocating back to their native Brisbane from Sydney, swiftly engaging Partridge Daniels to bring warmth, pragmatics and gravitas to the interiors. “The spatial planning was so vast and open – it lacked intimacy and comfort – and the white, boxy interiors and bare, grey terraces were cold and uninviting,” says Emma Daniels.

Leaning into the subtropical context and utilitarian framework, Daniels and partner Lucy Partridge drew heavily on Brazilian Modernism through linear tropes, concrete elements, generous apertures and the use of greenery. These principles have been paired with the Sydney-based firm’s sophisticated yet unstuffy rationale, making for a family home that feels modern and fresh yet brimming with personal touches and interesting design notes.

The layout was completely reimagined to create generously sized rooms redolent of a traditional family home. They are, however, scaled well for the typology. For example, upstairs, the parents’ retreat is separated from two children’s bedrooms – both with walk-in-robes and ensuites – by a central sitting room, and on the main floor, a sense of openness prevails across the shared living spaces and transitional zones. “Curved openings add detail and maintain views through the apartment without the plan feeling too open,” says Partridge.

Most notable is the surprising sense of richness at Newstead Apartment – a divergence from the stark commercial lobby and lift that precede it. There is plentiful natural light, and the interiors feel welcoming and enveloping, creating a mostly inward-looking experience. Elements such as the herringbone floors, recycled timber ceilings, a large-scale artwork by Valerie Sparks, marble island bench with in-situ concrete and bronze components, and the statement timber dining table with yakisugi treatment – a traditional Japanese method of charring timber, similar to shou sugi ban – all contribute greatly to this condition.

All that said, the apartment doesn’t deny its context; it opens to the views and subtropical clime at every opportunity, albeit in a controlled manner. There are a staggering six outdoor areas, where the landscaping conceived in collaboration with Steven Clegg Design encircles the architecture. On the north-facing terrace adjacent to the kitchen, there’s a plunge pool, barbeque area and charming potting shed. These outdoor moments complement the many treasures found throughout the interiors, culminating in an unexpected yet supremely inviting domestic space with all the touchpoints of a traditional family home, reimagined for adventurous clients.

Interior design by Partridge Daniels. Build by Charles Warren Constructions. Landscape design by Steven Clegg Design.