The Venetian by David Gan

Breathing new life into a 1920s apartment in Kirribilli, David Gan’s first personal project is a sensitive and innovative response to the home’s stunning site.

Perched above Sydney Harbour, the apartment boasts panoramic views of the Opera House, city skyline and Harbour Bridge. The original design was poorly configured, with misaligned walls and a dated kitchen and bathroom with stick-on vinyl flooring. “I was fortunate enough to be presented with the opportunity to revitalise the apartment and make it as special as the view and outlook demanded,” says David Gan. “It was worked on through Covid, while at university, and across state lines.”

Highly considered design moments create unique vignettes of the lapping waves and distant outlines of the city, encouraging a sense of intrigue and contemplation.

Designed for a client who had immigrated to Sydney over 35 years ago and always dreamed of living somewhere with vistas of Sydney Harbour, the brief called for a total reimagination of the space, while being sensitive to the building’s historic charm. Part of this included opening up and emphasising the views by removing structural walls and inverting the layout so the communal spaces were focused on the view. The brief also called for a fluid living space suitable for hosting events and guests for overnight stays, with specifically curated flexible furniture.

Highly considered design moments create unique vignettes of the lapping waves and distant outlines of the city, encouraging a sense of intrigue and contemplation. One major intervention was the hallway, which now has a direct view of the harbour and grounds the whole apartment in this outlook. This was achieved through an angled wall that subtly and strategically directs the occupant to the open vista.

Layers of colour and texture are thoughtfully chosen to complement the hues and reflections of Sydney Harbour.

Similarly, strategic spatial interventions make the apartment feel open and spacious despite its humble 60-square-metre footprint. Transitions between floor finishes within the open space – from timber floorboards to stone – help demarcate different zones without being prescriptive. To remain sensitive to the original building, some structures were retained. For example, nib walls were required to support new steel beams, which were creatively embraced rather than disregarded – the nib walls a charming reference to the historical planning.

Meanwhile, layers of colour and texture are thoughtfully chosen to complement the hues and reflections of Sydney Harbour. Handmade glazed tiles are used on the splashback to mimic the glistening of light hitting the harbour, while ceiling-wash wall sconces are chosen to provide soft illumination in the evenings, imbuing a distinct sense of calm. Similarly, fluted glass allows the client’s blue china collection, a hue very similar to the deep blue beyond, to colour the kitchen.

Grounded in a timeless, enduring design, The Venetian embraces and elevates its pristine harbourside location.

Grounded in a timeless, enduring design, The Venetian embraces and elevates its pristine harbourside location – it’s an elegant sanctuary that points to a promising future for the emerging designer.

Architecture and interior design by David Gan. Build by Prepared Projects. Joinery by Finch Projects.