Sand and Sea – Penthouse II by Lawless and Meyerson and MHNDU

As an elevated base for its well-travelled owner, Penthouse II sits overlooking Sydney Harbour, offering enviable access between home, garden and sea. Interior Design by Lawless and Meyerson together with architecture by MHNDU create a refined residence from an attuned rigour and attentive detail.

Within the inner east of Sydney, Penthouse II sits comfortably in Rose Bay, as one full-floor apartment, as part of a collective of similar scaled homes. In its idyllic location, the home opens generously with full-height glazing to reveal the harbour beyond and a formal landscaped garden from which to watch the passing flurry of activity. With its owner travelling often for work, an affinity with a European aesthetic and in particular that of the Italian classics informs the resulting approach. Stone is used extensively throughout, and a quiet sophistication of a muted and complementary palette binds each of the spaces with purpose. Interior design by Lawless and Meyerson combines with architecture by MHNDU to bring the vision into fruition and optimise the home’s privileged outlook and access between interiors, garden, sand and ocean.

From the sculptural furniture and lighting insertions to the junctions and integrated joinery elements throughout, every element has been considered and attended to from a crafted approach.

Built by Construction 8, together with landscape design by Dangar Barin Smith, Penthouse II epitomises refinement. From the sculptural furniture and lighting insertions to the junctions and integrated joinery elements throughout, every element has been considered and attended to from a crafted approach. As a series of three apartments, Penthouse II sits underneath the others and optimises its views reaching out across Sydney Harbour. The key focus of the home is the outlook, so creating and maintaining key visual connections determined the internal planning and focus for all elements.

An open and connected living, dining and kitchen space anchors the view, with a large and monolithic island bench marking the gathering space. While the openness and lightness of the home connects with its proximity to the ocean, a layering of rich materials and textures ensures it will endure and continue to remain relevant. Linen sits comfortably alongside velvet and silk, while timber, leather and stone add a robust balance. The central entry point defines the living areas, placing the more passive retreat spaces to the rear, grouping the bedrooms and amenities. Part gallery in its long and linear approach, the owner’s growing art collection is able to be displayed throughout, while collected items from travels can be displayed as a reminder of their own narrative within the home.

While the openness and lightness of the home connects with its proximity to the ocean, a layering of rich materials and textures ensures it will endure and continue to remain relevant.

Penthouse II carves itself as a quiet outpost from which to view the nearby landmarks of Sydney. Lawless and Meyerson and MHNDU propose a lasting and unique place for its owner to call home.