The details always matter, but arguably, thanks to their proximity and visibility, they matter more in compact space. The success of this project is testament to a couple of ideas, small is beautiful — or can be — and small need not necessarily mean fast. 

This apartment is one of four boutique dwellings in a cinder-block apartment building originally designed byGerman émigré architect Franz Iseke in 1966. The apartment’s renovation, undertaken with painstaking diligence over a three-year period, in a collaboration with owner-artist Chris Corson Scott, began with a complete reshaping of the interior spaces, modernising interior comfort with new insulation and double-glazed joinery, so that every inch of the two-bedroom home could contribute to the overall liveability.

The reconfigured spaces are organised around an abundance of natural light and views — the sunny northern patio and kitchen-living area capture views of the Waitematā; bedrooms to the south open to the Manukau Harbour; and a sublime bathroom, with handmade Moroccan zellige tiles sourced from New York, almost becomes one with clouds above Owairaka on a clear sunny day. 

Above all, the interior shows the potential of a well-chosen colour palette, natural light and the texture of warm natural materials to elevate space, atmosphere and mood. Above solid maple floors and under the macrocarpa timber ceilings, the tonal combinations add warmth, urbanity and interest. The curving elements of the bespoke kitchen add a sense of fluidity of movement to space, and throughout, each detail, down to the trims and skirting boards, has been carefully considered to build on the best qualities of the original building.