A Sydney home Revisited by Carter Williamson Architects

Good architecture leaves room for life to happen. Brise Soleil was designed by Sydney-based Carter Williamson in 2009 and revisited by the same practice more than fifteen years later, not to start over, but to evolve.

The home had been well lived in. Its voids still carried light through the plan. Its robust exterior still held firm against the street. What had shifted was life itself. The owners didn't want to leave. The question became how the house might change with them.

The insertion of a lift within the internal courtyard quietly reshaped the plan. What began as an accessibility intervention prompted a broader reconsideration of how the home was navigated and used. The kitchen moved. Pathways widened. Thresholds softened. The ground floor became more generous, more fluid, more attuned to ease — a reimagining of daily living without the erasure of what came before.

Yet the defining qualities of the original design remain. Light continues to fall through the voids, animating walls and floors throughout the day. What has changed is tone. Where the interiors were once restrained, warm timber joinery and a richer material palette now introduce tactility and depth, making the contrast between robust exterior and intimate interior more pronounced than ever.

The kitchen was redesigned to support accessibility without sacrificing conviviality. Bespoke cabinetry and carefully resolved joinery ensure that the rhythms of daily life continue seamlessly, maintaining its social heart.

Brise Soleil is not a reinvention. It is an evolution. A house that has matured alongside its occupants, and proof that architecture designed with care can absorb change without losing its identity.

Credits 

⁠Architecture and Interior Design: Carter Williamson Architects

Styling: Claire Delmar

Photography: Pablo Veiga⁠

Build: SFN Build

VIEW STORY

A Music-Led Parisian Apartment by Katz Studio

Located in the Parisian suburb of Neuilly-sur-Seine, this apartment was conceived by Katz Studio as a private retreat for a client passionate about music. Co-directed by sisters Esther and Leah Katz, the studio is guided by a shared sensibility for art, architecture and design, expressed through intimate, timeless interiors. Filled with natural light, the apartment balances a soft, subdued atmosphere with honest materials and a subtle dialogue between wood, stone and raw steel. Every detail contributes to a sense of quiet immersion, where design and music are woven together with ease.

Spacious and thoughtfully structured, the living room forms the heart of the home. A stone fireplace grounds the space with warmth and organic character. On either side, vintage tables by Christian Liaigre reinforce the sense of symmetry and timeless refinement. A generous modular sofa in ecru stretches along wide windows draped in sheer linen curtains, gently filtering natural light and softening contrasts within the room.

Carefully curated furniture plays with volumes and textures. An iconic striped Up chair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia makes a sculptural statement alongside its spherical ottoman, while a rounded solid wood coffee table anchors the composition. Dark wood flooring further enhances the grounded, harmonious feel of the space.

A defining element of the apartment is the custom-designed bar and music corner. Created by the studio in smoked eucalyptus wood, with vertical slats that form a rhythmic facade, it serves as both a mixing station and collector’s space with a large custom-built library that houses vinyl records, books, and art objects. A minimalist raw steel divider frames the area without enclosing it, while along the counter, sculpted wooden stools invite conversation and make this bar a true gathering spot — a place where music is lived as much as it is heard.

Smoked eucalyptus wood carries through to the kitchen cabinetry, paired with deep burgundy lacquer. These finishes are softened by the travertine countertop with its delicate grain and natural hue. The dining area is furnished with vintage Tulip chairs by Knoll, their clean curves complementing a marble table, selected for its distinctive veining.

Flowing naturally from the living space, the dining room continues the muted palette. Dark timber sits in quiet dialogue with soft light filtering through long, diaphanous curtains. At its centre, a vintage table by Christian Liaigre is surrounded by matching chairs that balance comfort with structure. Art punctuates the space: a vibrant light fixture by Robert Combas, rabbit sculptures by Camille Henrot, and a Donald Judd exhibition poster that subtly nods to the studio’s admiration for minimalist architecture and graphic purity.

In keeping with the apartment’s warm and tactile aesthetic, the main bedroom reveals a serene atmosphere defined by soft, enveloping tones and textures. A custom walnut dresser with gentle curves sits alongside a vintage Joe Colombo Elda armchair, its iconic sculptural silhouette anchoring the space with both elegance and design history.

Throughout the project, interior architecture recedes in favour of atmosphere. Light, materiality and design come together to create a fully immersive, timeless experience. More than a place to live, the apartment was imagined by Katz Studio to embrace rhythm and stillness — moments of sharing and solitude — with quiet, lasting elegance.

Photography by Oracle Paris

VIEW STORY

The Dinesen Apartment by David Thulstrup

Dinesen, Denmark's leading manufacturer of high-end wooden flooring, has unveiled the Dinesen Apartment by David Thulstrup in Brooklyn, New York — a temporary showroom and immersive space designed by acclaimed Danish architect David Thulstrup. The apartment will be open until February 2026, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience Dinesen wood in an intimate and beautifully curated residential setting.

Dinesen Apartment by David Thulstrup moves beyond traditional showroom displays, instead presenting Danish design within a carefully curated living space that captures the poetic essence of Dinesen wood.

"Everything I design is about crafting a sense of place," said Thulstrup. "The apartment is not just about showcasing materials — it's about evoking emotion through scale, light and texture. Dinesen's wood, grown over decades, carries a quiet power. This project allows visitors to feel that in a completely immersive way."

Located across the 1st and 2nd floors of 144 Vanderbilt Avenue, a thoughtfully designed building by SO—IL, and developed by Tankhouse, the project highlights the seamless integration of architecture, interiors and craftsmanship. Tankhouse’s contractor and developer role ensured the building became a complementary canvas for presenting Dinesen in a warm, homely context.

The pop-up showroom marks Dinesen’s first spatial venture in America. It is the brand’s second apartment concept, following the celebrated launch of the Dinesen Apartment by John Pawson at the Copenhagen showroom in 2024.

At the heart of the space is Dinesen Layers Oak in the Classic variant, chosen for its calm elegance and engineered stability. Seamless surfaces unify the interior, while select uses of Layers HeartOak add depth and character with natural cracks held by oak butterfly joints. The wood extends to cladding and a bespoke staircase in Layers Oak, a built-in bookcase in solid Oak Classic and a solid HeartOak headboard, creating a warm, continuous visual language.

The interiors are furnished with a curated mix of David Thulstrup's designs, including the Arv Collection for Brdr. Kruger and pieces by John Pawson for Dinesen. Thulstrup chose the upholstery made of Levino fabric by Sahco.

"I like to layer different timelines and characters — contemporary, classic, and crafted," said Thulstrup. "The overall mood is quiet and grounded. I wanted the atmosphere to slow down time."

Danish vintage pieces by Arne Jacobsen and Severin Hansen, by Dagmar, lend a historical layer to the space.

“We hold deep respect for materials, traditions and craftsmanship from the golden era of Scandinavian design,” said Dagmar. “We proudly share these values with Dinesen and David Thulstrup and contribute to this collaboration with reissued furniture by Danish icon Severin Hansen.”

Every element of the apartment reflects Dinesen's dedication to quality and craft. The Danish carpentry duo Ocular installed the flooring and carried out the meticulously crafted joinery details, from the half-turn staircase, wall-claddings and doors to the built-in furniture. Walls are painted in Titian, Sand and Suede, developed by David Thulstrup for Bleo. Their nuanced pigments complement the warmth of the wood and the natural light. Softness and texture are thoughtfully layered throughout the apartment, with rugs, drapery, upholstery, bedwear, blankets, towels and bathmats from Kvadrat, Sahco and Magniberg.

The finishing touches include Penumbra, a sculptural hollowware piece by David Thulstrup for Georg Jensen, and door handles from FSB, further emphasising the story of material sensitivity and Danish design heritage.

Beyond being a showroom, the Dinesen Apartment by David Thulstrup is a working residence, event space and meeting hub. It invites guests to experience Dinesen in context — light steps on Oak floors, conversations around handcrafted furniture and textures felt with the whole body.

"In an age of hyper-visual design, we wanted to offer something deeper," said Thulstrup. "Spaces should be sensed, not just seen. This apartment is an invitation to connect with materials in a way that photography alone can't convey."

Dinesen Apartment by David Thulstrup will be open by appointment until February 2026.
Schedule a visit here.

Photography by Eric Petschek

VIEW STORY

Kent Avenue Penthouse by Norm Architects

Designed by Norm Architects, the Kent Avenue penthouse is a one-of-a-kind residence nestled along the Brooklyn waterfront, overlooking the East River and Manhattan skyline. Here, New York’s industrial vibe meets soft minimalism and tactile materials, creating an urban retreat above the bustling city. The open plan solution has been preserved and thoughtfully layered to define different zones, while a sunken terrace invites relaxation with its plunge pool and exquisite views.

Spanning approximately 350 square metres, the penthouse occupies the entire top floor of a grand building along the East River and is divided into two distinct living spaces—one designed for the privacy of the family, and the other a fully equipped guest house.

The residence seamlessly blends contemporary elegance with tactile materials, creating an atmosphere of both intimacy and spaciousness. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame breathtaking views of the river and Manhattan skyline, as well as the lush greenery that envelops the expansive terrace, blurring the line between indoors and out.

Inside, a serene interior balances the vibrant exterior views, while soft, plush textiles create warmth and tactility. The design blends organic shapes with clean lines, resulting in a space that feels both soothing and stimulating.

An in-built fireplace framed by elegant Carrara marble adds a touch of luxury, while discreet hidden doors open to reveal a private TV lounge, maintaining a clean and tranquil aesthetic. 

In the hallway a skylight floods the narrow space with natural light, creating an open and airy atmosphere.

A bespoke kitchen crafted by Vipp features a sleek black exterior with a natural oak core, blending style and functionality. The steel benchtop adds a refined, modern touch, while the folding fronts seamlessly tuck away to optimise space and enhance versatility within the kitchen.

Situated between the kitchen-dining area and living room, a grand bookcase with a perforated steel back invites natural light to permeate the space, preserving the connection between zones while defining their distinct purposes. This multifunctional bookcase also displays personal family treasures, adding character to the minimalist design.

Transitioning from the kitchen area, a door opens to reveal the adult suite, encompassing an office, bedroom, walk-in closet, and bathroom. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the walkway, framing serene views of the terrace greenery, with the graceful drape of sheer curtains adding a gentle layer to the streamlined materials.

The bedroom features a wooden bedframe with a headboard that extends to the ceiling, creating an intimate alcove within the airy, open space. Thoughtfully crafted, it serves a dual purpose as a closet on the reverse side, seamlessly merging function with style. The natural wood draws inspiration from the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding greenery. This connection to nature brings warmth and tranquility, softening the modern design while fostering a deep sense of well-being and relaxation – transforming the room into a serene retreat.

The bathroom is crafted entirely from large grey stone slabs, with elegant silver fixtures that enhance the cool, modern aesthetic. In contrast to the warm wooden tones of the bedroom, the sharp lines of the stone create a bold, minimalist look. Soft curtains, consistent with the rest of the house, introduce a tactile element, casting beautiful shadows from the surrounding trees and greenery. Cleverly hidden storage adds to the clean, streamlined design.

The guest unit is cosy yet spacious. Here, a bespoke steel and wood kitchen is accented with elegant butterfly details, blending modern design with subtle craftsmanship.

There is also a living room, tranquil bedroom, a small office nook, bathroom, and toilet. Designed with the same elegant style as the main apartment, each detail—from the soft colour palette to the clean lines—ensures a harmonious and cohesive flow that feels effortlessly luxurious.

A serene haven where urban life meets tranquil living, the Kent Avenue Penthouse is impeccably designed and thoughtfully curated to cultivate a sense of unity and calm—a perfect blend of urban energy and quiet retreat.

Credits 

Norm Architects: Architect & Partner, Peter Eland / Architect, Hedda Klar 

Photography: Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen

VIEW STORY