Imagine moving to Kings Cross for retirement. The proximity to culture, the vibrant energy, and, of course, the never-ending cosmopolitan flair. That’s exactly what the clients behind the Potts Point Apartment had in mind. They weren’t just dreaming of your typical ‘ageing in place’ retirement plan with endless cups of tea and reruns of Gardening Australia. Oh no, they envisioned something much more dynamic – quiet reflection mixed with a hearty dose of urban immersion and a space where they could unleash their own creativity. This is what Andrew Donaldson Architecture & Design (ADAD) had to work with, and let me tell you, they didn’t disappoint.
The apartment is located in Potts Point, within the traditional lands of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation, and it measures a neat 57 m². The building itself, Franconia Apartments, is a modernist gem designed by Emil Sodersten, so we’re talking serious architectural history here. The brief? Respect the heritage, stick to a modest budget, and somehow make this small space function for two retirees with big ideas. Easy, right?
ADAD rose to the challenge, creating an 8.2 metre long multifunctional joinery unit that feels like a Swiss Army knife for apartment living. Crafted from solid American White Oak, this bespoke unit effortlessly glides between the functions of living, dining, media display, art gallery, photographic studio, library, and even a subtle sewing station. Yes, you read that right – a sewing station, because who doesn’t need a quiet corner to whip up some handmade creations in their retirement?
What’s more, this impressive joinery masterpiece manages to tie the interior of the apartment with the lively urban environment of Kings Cross. From their cosy corner, the clients can soak in views of the Al Alamein Fountain and the bustling weekend markets, all while maintaining their privacy (a delicate dance of thresholds made that possible).
Sustainability? They’ve nailed it. With barely any demolition required (just 0.06 m² of brickwork to open a doorway), the design made the most of existing materials. Old herringbone floors were carefully patched and upcycled into the new design, and the joinery itself was crafted with an eye for recycling. The carpenters borrowed from another ADAD site to ensure a ‘NIL waste’ transformation. Even Ikea magnetic boards were given the upcycling treatment, powder coated in iMac silver and seamlessly integrated into the design. Take that, landfill.
Of course, no great project is without its personal challenges. Early in the renovation, one of the clients, Jérôme, was hospitalised, putting an unexpected strain on the timeline. But here’s where ADAD really shined. They worked tirelessly to complete the project in time for Jérôme’s return home by Valentine’s Day. The result? A beautifully crafted space that had the client’s friends gasping, “Wow!” every time they walked through the door.
And that’s really the best compliment you can give a project like this. It’s functional, it’s thoughtful, it’s sustainable – but most of all, it’s a space that brings joy. Whether it’s used for quiet reflection or getting lost in creative pursuits, Potts Point Apartment proves that good design can truly elevate the experience of living.
