Caretakers Residence

by Splinter Society

Located within a steel worker’s factory, the Caretaker’s Residence navigates the benefits and challenges of combining working and living environments. Providing the owners with a new level of flexibility and efficiency, this apartment provides a retreat from its surrounds while embracing the inherent industrial qualities.

Programmatically, the working and living spaces are positioned on separate levels. Set above the factory on the ground level, the built form of this apartment was largely predetermined, being the transformation of the original commercial office. A careful balance of privacy and connection visually and acoustically allows the two somewhat opposing functions to coexist and enhance each other through interaction.

Within the apartment there is a public to private gradation, allowing for a variety of simultaneous uses within the small space. The existing staircase leads to a central bench which can be opened into a bar for entertaining or used for everyday domestic functions. The private master suite is tucked behind a hidden joinery panel allowing for discreetness when required.

The existing space is transformed through a carefully chosen palette and crafted details to give a soft and refined aesthetic. The luxury apartment is characterised by a warm natural palette of raw plaster, cedar and wool adding texture and softness to its industrial shell. Drawing on one of the owner’s Japanese heritage and the couples love of minimalism the apartment is finely detailed.

By utilising the owners’ steel working skills and the factory below, many structural and decorative elements including screens and joinery integrate fine metal craftsmanship while being especially cost effective. Adding sophisticated, raw steel details also creates a unique reference to the manufacturing context.

Capitalising on co-existing industrial and residential functions, the Caretaker’s Residence uses its unique positioning to create visual interest and encompass social connections in a carefully integrated live/work environment.