Collage of a modern urban home with black-tiled exterior, interior with wooden beams and black cabinetry, and a car parked next to black tiles.

A collage of three images showing different views of a modern urban home. The top left image shows the exterior of a building with a black-tiled facade, large windows, and a balcony, surrounded by greenery and a fence. The bottom left image depicts an interior space with exposed wooden beams, black cabinetry, and a kitchen island with bar stools. The right image displays a black car parked next to a wall of black glazed tiles.

Story

Where industrial heritage meets modern urban living Carter Williamson Architects have masterfully reimagined a former warehouse in Sydney, Australia, into a four-storey urban residence. The transformation is marked by a striking facade of glazed black tiles, which wrap the building in a reflective shell that shifts with light and shadows. This bold exterior sets a dramatic backdrop for the lush greenery, pocket courtyards, and a serene pond that punctuate the site. Inside, the original industrial character is preserved and celebrated. Exposed brick, steel, and timber elements are thoughtfully integrated into the home's design, creating a dialogue between the past and present. A key feature is the vertical volume of the interior, where a recycled brick wall ascends through all four levels, guiding the eye upward alongside a skylit staircase. This central void floods the home with natural light, enhancing the connection between each floor. The kitchen, a central hub between living and dining areas, is defined by matte black cabinetry and a mirrored backsplash, maintaining visual continuity with the black-tiled exterior. Large sliding glass doors open to an outdoor courtyard, where reclaimed materials from the original warehouse, such as burnt timbers and recycled bricks, are used to create a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor spaces. Bathrooms in the home offer a refined contrast to the industrial textures, featuring light grey fan-shaped tiles and brass fixtures that add warmth and elegance. Throughout, the design maintains a balance between robust industrial elements and sophisticated modern touches, creating a unique urban home that honors its historical roots.

## Design Highlights

Glazed black tile facade that wraps the entire building Integration of original industrial materials like brick, steel, and timber Central staircase with a 12-metre void and skylight Kitchen with matte black cabinetry and mirrored backsplash Outdoor courtyard featuring reclaimed materials and a reflective pond Bathrooms with light grey tiles and brass fixtures

## Key Facts

Feature Details
Location Sydney, Australia
Architect Carter Williamson Architects
Year Completed 2023
Building Type Residential
Materials Brick, steel, timber, tiles
Outdoor Area 30% of site

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Exterior: Glazed black tiles wrap the facade, providing a reflective and modern appearance.
  • Interior: Exposed brick walls and steel beams highlight the industrial past, while timber elements add warmth.
  • Bathroom: Light grey fan-shaped tiles with brass fixtures create a refined and warm atmosphere.

Materials

  • Glazed black tiles — Facade
  • Brick — Interior walls and courtyard pond lining
  • Steel — Structural beams and entry cladding
  • Timber — Front door and interior elements
  • Brass — Bathroom fixtures

Construction / Systems

  • Facade system: Continuous layer of glazed black tiles wrapping the building.
  • Structural system: Exposed brick walls and steel beams maintain the industrial character.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Black, Grey, Brass
  • Lighting: Natural light is maximized through large windows and a skylit stairwell.

Similar projects

More residential

Projects by the architect

View Carter Williamson Architects

No other projects found for this architect yet.