The Warehouse residence is a private oasis. Originally a leatherworks, it had evolved over the years adapting to its continuing use, before being converted to a residence in the 1990’s.

Aesthetically, our brief centred around uncovering and reinstating the industrial heritage that had been lost. Functionally our goal was to improve the usability, tailoring the spaces for the 5 occupants. Two art and food loving humans, two charming dogs and a very friendly cat. Each with their own requirements.

Our approach was to realign the entry, create sightlines through the building, allow in more light with new openings, and closing others where they created unwanted connections. We introduced mature textures, and exposed original finishes, discovering the history of the building, and re-establishing the exposed brick and steel of the building’s industrial origins.

 The façade of the home features the original steel gates, warm timber doors and a mural including a blue wren, a frog, and native bees. Behind the doors you step into an entry courtyard, the double height space providing protection from the elements. Generous stairs and landscaped gardens draw you towards the full height steel-framed glazed entry door and window.  

Inside large-scale artwork and textural materials adorn the walls. Considered from the briefing stage of the project the art is hung from ceiling tracks and lit for maximum effect.

 In the entertainer’s kitchen a 7-metre-long island bench, bent like a boomerang, provides spaces and connections between the kitchen and the courtyard. Expertly crafted, the island features copper work surfaces, and a timber seating area with copper inlays - materials chosen to bring warmth into the kitchen. Black film-faced birch ply used for the joinery references the industrial origins of the warehouse.

Connecting the ground and first floors is a two-storey bookcase accessed from both the living area and the staircase. It extends to the ceiling and acts as storage for a much-loved book collection. Brass rods and exposed ply edges create the irregular grid and provide spaces of different scales to tuck Tolkien and Ottolenghi, sculpture and memorabilia.

 Upstairs the bedrooms have been reconfigured to provide a master suite with walk-in-robe and ensuite. The ensuite, lit by a new skylight and using a dark palette of greys and green is a tranquil space. The existing cast iron clawfoot bath has been fully restored to a satin black.

 Having transformed over time from industrial to residential, the Warehouse has now established a sophisticated middle ground. With the realigned entry and kitchen layout it has regained the open ground floor typical of its original function. Steel spans and exposed materials emphasise the industrial heritage. The spaces feel refined and make the most of the available light. This new stage in the warehouse’s evolution is a home which brings joy and provides for every occupant – whether person, cat or dog.