The client’s brief was to demolish the rotten 1920’s bungalow and create a slick and urbane city apartment complex devoid of timber framing. The design is deliberately masculine with the garaging and entry having a strong purposeful stance providing a solid anchor to the site. The extensive use of exposed concrete masonry juxtaposes the clean plastered masonry continues the theme. Structural challenges included 5m high retaining along the eastern boundary. Utilising the precast concrete garage roof as a diaphragm enabled the engineer to achieve the necessary wall height. The garage roof also provides an excellent hard surface recreation space. Upon being granted entry through the security intercom you meet the austere and symmetric form of the central corridor leading to the lift shaft. The Schindler lift carriage contrasts the minimalist corridor by delivering its occupants to each level in style and comfort. The lift tower gives a sense of height, drama and focus for the building. Interior use of exposed masonry continues the modernist theme providing a wonderful foil for the kwila doors, trim and flooring to work with. The lounge corner window takes in the client’s favourite city view. The lounge nook shields the TV from afternoon sun. The kitchen with its sea views and the tiled bathroom are finished to a very high standard. The north-west living area spills out to an attractive, leafy courtyard at the lower apartment level and a modern spin on the Juliet balcony creates a connection to the outdoors for the upper apartment