This adaptive reuse of a former warehouse maintained the exterior almost untouched, with only a few new windows inserted into existing openings. This soft touch was extended to the interior, where original brick walls were exposed and the large timber roof trusses highlighted as the starting point for the conversion to a four-bedroom home. The home incorporates self-contained guest accommodation, a home office (to be used as an equine genetics laboratory) and a large garage to store a collection of classic sports cars.

There was a strong emphasis on maintaining an industrial feel to the conversion with new work complementary but clearly distinguished from the original fabric. The upper level is divided on strict alignment with the existing trusses, with the underside of the trusses used as a horizontal datum. All solid walls stop at this level with clear glazing above to enclose the cellular spaces, while allowing visual continuity of the trusses and ceiling throughout the space.

A very large, hot/cold and noisy area was transformed into a comfortable family home by locating all household spaces on the upper level (effectively creating a single-storey house) while ancillary spaces are on the lower level. Large outdoor recreation areas flow off the main living space, allowing natural light and ventilation, as well as views to the sky and new landscaping.

The removal of sections of roof created outdoor rooms that retain a sense of the original internal volume and form physical and visual extensions of the interior spaces. Colour was introduced through the cork flooring, large-scaled furniture pieces and landscaping to the courtyard and terrace.

Furniture: Living Divani, Porro and Cassina (Space); Cappellini, Magis and Zanotta (Cult); Knoll (Dedece); De Padova (Boffi); Vitra (Living Edge); Ligne Roset and Colourscope (Domo); Ferlea. Lighting: Viabizzuno, Inlite, Brightgreen, Tom Dixon (Dedece), Foscarini (Space), Flos (Euroluce). Finishes: Comcork (Safety Flooring Australia), Lysaght, Calibre Concepts, Bisanna Tiles, Alucobond, Dekton, Corian. Fittings & Fixtures: Miele, Boffi, A2f, Caroma, Kaldewei (Bathe), Stormtech, d line, Fritz Jurgens (Bellevue Imports), Breezeway, Horizon (Turner Brothers), Simple Studio.

Photography: Rory Gardiner