Softly Restorative / Walsh Bay Penthouse by Greg Natale

A quiet and restorative haven, Walsh Bay Penthouse sees a muted and soft approach create a home of plush and refined layers. Greg Natale optimises the home’s enviable siting and creates a protective and welcoming cocoon internally as a balanced counter to the sunlit and open balcony that surrounds.

With full-height glazing that opens to the same-named bay from each room, Walsh Bay Penthouse drinks in its surrounds while creating a protective place for its residents to shelter and feel isolated. In its elevated position atop an assortment of diverse residences, the home is spread over two generous levels and extends to three bedrooms and connected living zones.

As a renovation effort, existing elements such as the lofted proportions are maintained and accentuated through a light palette, while soft curves are introduced to mimic movement through the home and create the feeling of freestanding sculptures as furniture. This same vernacular extends to all elements internally, creating a cohesive and connected series of spaces. Greg Natale draws from on the studio’s reputation of luxury and combine with a nod to the organic in conjuring the resulting home.

As a contemporary and light home built by4×4 Carpentry and Building Services, Walsh Bay Penthouse reflects its engagement beyond its bounding walls. With the floods of natural light filling the home, the use of a muted palette of soft pinks and yellows is complemented by the use of white and grey, allowing for a natural hierarchy to be created. The brief called for curves to accentuate the connectivity internally and also to soften the rectilinear floor plate. The introduction of a European influence is seen in the furniture selections, lighting and accessories placed throughout, carefully weaving in the narrative of a time-tested and historically proven lineage.

A newly crafted staircase connects the two levels and becomes a focal point amongst the main occupied area, the shared living zone. Originally in an alternate location, the realigning with the vertical movement in this open and elevated space sees this living area become the heart of the home and signal to the spaces tucked away from view.

A similar curved line shapes the stair and the other inserted elements, completing the story of the home as one where subtleties are expressed in a considered and deliberate manner. Amongst the soft pastels of the furniture and soft furnishings, brass is used as a cool and tactile element to engage and interact with daily, while light timber flooring adds warmth and a natural element throughout.