Purchasing a Kirribilli apartment with Sydney Harbour Bridge views was a dream for David Gan’s client.

It was equally special for David, who was lucky enough to design the apartment renovation as his debut personal project.

The project was also somewhat of a full circle moment, as the original 1920s building is believed to be the work of architect Leslie Wilkinson — founding dean of the architecture faculty at The University of Sydney, where David started his design career and training.

This Kirribilli building is an example of Leslie’s inter-war Mediterranean architectural style (most appropriate to Sydney’s setting and climate, the pioneering architect argued) but the original interiors had been unsympathetically updated over time.

The living area was also located on entry, bearing no relation to the spectacular view hidden behind arched plasterwork.

It was David’s job to return the view to centre stage, and provide a more rational floor plan to suit the client and their guests.

‘Warm tones and textures were to evoke the sense of relaxing on the sand on a late summer’s day — peering out and being mesmerised by the dynamic waves of the ocean — and in this case, the stunning backdrop of Sydney Harbour,’ says David.

David took the apartment back to a blank slate — removing all the internal walls in the process.

The location of the bedroom was essentially swapped for the living room, and the bathroom swapped for the kitchen, providing the communal spaces with a prime outlook and best access to natural light.

Light and warm timbers for the floor and joinery work to ground the space, complemented by the soft texture of limewashed walls, and Moroccan zellige tiles on the kitchen splashback that catch the ever-changing light.

David also specified the furniture and decor for the project, selecting pieces suited to the client’s lifestyle. The Newman Sofa by E9 Design, for example, can be configured to support back-to-back seating during parties, and sleep overnight guests.

The dark and claustrophobic apartment is now light and expansive, featuring rooms that feel generous despite a modest (66 square metre) footprint.

‘As this was my first personal project, it is so rewarding to have a physical manifestation of my design thinking and interests,’ says David.

‘I also couldn’t have done it without the talented Pierre and Buddy from Prepared Projects, who were patient as I learnt on site, and I was able to rely on their very talented hands to deliver the intended vision.’