1930s Apartment Restored with Modern Twist in Elizabeth Bay
Billy Maynard Architects has transformed a 1930s Elizabeth Bay apartment, restoring its original charm while introducing modern elements. The top-floor residence on Elizabeth Bay Road had been altered in the 1980s, dividing its foursquare living plan into two linear rooms.
The building sits within the Ulverstone precinct, a 1938 waterfront block that overlooks Rushcutters Bay and the adjacent park, giving the residence a contextual backdrop of water and green space.
The firm’s intervention went beyond correcting this mistake, striking a balance between preservation and innovation. The entry and service areas maintain their original scale, featuring spotted gum plywood walls, custom sand-cast brass handles, and ample storage.
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A new skylight in the living area draws northern light, its design dictated by existing brick piers. Steel beams were integrated into the structure, and new windows align with the original deco style while improving thermal performance.
The project uses a restrained material palette, including sanded stainless steel, stained glass, restored tallowwood floors, plywood, and paint. This approach echoes northern Italian interwar apartments, where machined metal and domestic softness coexisted.
Artist Lauren Brincat’s curtain commissions introduce a romantic element, creating tension against the calibrated metal and joinery. This contrast adds a personal touch, moving beyond mere technical resolution.
