CJH Studio achieve penthouse perfection with this serene apartment redesign on the Queensland coast. Every now and again an apartment that reimagines the potential of a penthouse comes along, like this beautifully-modernised beachside apartment in Queensland by CJH Studio.

Built in the late 1980s, the home had remained mostly untouched in the decades since. Purchased by a small but growing family, the design brief emphasised creating space and practicality with limited planning alterations. Add in the quick design period requirement, short build time, existing structural inflexibility and CJH Studio’s interstate location and it’s even more remarkable that the finished project excels in establishing a pared-back, renewed and confident family home.

The Stelton White EM77 Vacuum Jug, designed by Erik Magnussen sits on the kitchen bench. The &Tradition Formakami JH3 and &Tradition Formakami JH5 by Jaime Hayon draw focus to the dining table. The minimal and soothing material palette is both a foil to the home’s Queensland surrounds and a strong nod to its original building era. The travertine flooring was retained and restored, while the addition of new internal glass bricks pays homage to the building’s original foyer. Soft curves and modernity begin with the incredible staircase, offset throughout the home and balanced with clean lines, creamy tones and an abundance of natural light, thanks to the striking double-height void and mezzanine.