A complete architectural renovation of an old workshop in a historical part of Auckland has resulted in this NZIA Award-winning two-bedroom ultra-modern apartment. The 92sqm home represents transformation at its most innovative.

The airy apartment contains two bedrooms and a generous living area as well as outdoor spaces – a veranda and deck – with views to Auckland Domain and surrounding leafy suburbs. The airy space may be small in scale, but the volume and light provided by carefully placed skylights in particular, give it a sense of spaciousness that belies the modest footprint. This is especially felt in the minimalist kitchen, where a steel island bench designed by the architect to suit the shape of the house has pride of place. The neutral palette heightens the sense of space. The bathroom is also where the clever approach to harnessing light comes to the fore – a skylight chute provides natural illumination in a difficult space. The innovation doesn’t stop there. The heated towel rail doubles as a clothes line, if needed.