Installing floor-to-ceiling windows transformed a 60-year-old corner apartment by opening it up to sunlight and views of lush greenery.
French-Portuguese property developer Christophe d'Orey had specific requirements when hunting for a new home. In his professional life he takes old spaces and renovates them, so when he came across a 60-year-old corner apartment on MacDonnell Road with lots of potential he pounced on it for himself.
For d'Orey, old buildings offer more benefits than new ones. 'They are more versatile, easier to transform and they have an extra cachet most of the functional, unimaginative new buildings don't have.
'I look for accessibility, functionality, the best possible view, green spaces, the most light and the best usage of living space. And it all has to be within budget.'
The 2,300 sq ft unit he found was a hidden gem. 'The price was right and the location excellent. Plus there were many things that were asking to be improved,' he says, referring to the low ceilings, narrow windows and an unnecessary internal corridor.
He ripped the apartment apart. What used to be a four-bedroom flat is now a predominantly open-plan space, with one master suite and a second room that doubles as a guest bedroom and study. 'The challenge was to be as spacious and open as possible while creating versatile private spaces.'