A kitchen renovation in a Woolloomooloo apartment
- Type of renovation: Kitchen in an apartment
- Location: Unit 23 / Lincoln Crescent, Woolloomooloo
- Renovation cost: $140,000 – $160,000 inc GST
- Time for completion: The design process took about 6 weeks and construction took 8 weeks.
Awacon recently completed a full kitchen redesign and renovation for an apartment in Lincoln Crescent, Woolloomooloo in Sydney. This project involved a custom kitchen layout tailored to the client’s design preferences, with a focus on maximising storage and space within a compact apartment setting.
A key upgrade included the removal of the bulky 160-litre internal hot water unit, replaced with a streamlined internal instantaneous gas system — freeing up valuable internal space.
From initial consultations and 3D concept renders through to strata coordination, demolition, and high-end finishes including marble benchtops, the renovation was delivered with minimal disruption, allowing the client to remain living in the property throughout.
Making more space in a kitchen in an apartment
Old apartments are built with techniques or products that might more than ten years old. For this apartment it had a huge 160 litre hot water system taking up a large area behind the kitchen. By removing this we were able to install new custom made kitchen cabinetry to create more storage space.
The scope of work for this kitchen renovation
Awacon was engaged to deliver a full kitchen redesign and renovation in a Class 2 residential apartment located on Lincoln Crescent, Woolloomooloo. The brief called for a customised kitchen that would reflect the client’s taste while also creating additional space and storage within the limited footprint of an apartment.
One of the key transformations was the removal of a bulky 160-litre internal hot water unit, replaced with a modern internal instantaneous gas system—freeing up valuable internal space for cabinetry and layout improvements.
Scope of Work
The renovation began with an initial consultation and concept design phase. During this stage, we met with the client to understand their preferences, functionality requirements, and design expectations. Several 3D colour renders were developed to help visualise the proposed layout and finishes.
Following the design phase, we managed the strata approval process, which involved coordinating with the building manager, strata management company, and relevant insurers to ensure compliance and avoid delays.
Construction commenced with the careful dismantling of the existing kitchen. The internal hot water unit was decommissioned and removed, and a new instantaneous gas hot water system was installed immediately, enabling the client to continue living in the apartment throughout the renovation.
Once the layout was confirmed and final check measures taken, detailed shop drawings were produced. These informed the relocation of water and electrical services prior to fabrication and installation of custom cabinetry. The fit-out included premium joinery, followed by installation of a full bullnose 80mm thick marble bench top and new kitchen appliances.
Interior design
This kitchen design elegantly blends modern sensibilities with the timeless glamour of Art Deco. The sleek, geometric lines are immediately apparent in the streamlined cabinetry and the gracefully curved island, establishing a sophisticated foundation reminiscent of the Art Deco era.
Adding a touch of opulence, brass accents are strategically incorporated through the gold hardware on the cabinets and the luxurious marble countertop, infusing the space with characteristic Art Deco luxury and glamour.
While embracing the clean aesthetic of modern design, the predominantly white colour palette contributes to a light and airy atmosphere. Contemporary statement lighting, including recessed fixtures and potentially pendant lights, further enhances the modern feel while artfully accentuating the kitchen’s architectural details.
The thoughtful selection of materials, notably the marble countertops and brass hardware, reinforces the kitchen’s overall sense of luxury and sophistication, firmly aligning it with the refined aesthetic of Art Deco.
Project Cost
This kitchen renovation fell within the range of $140,000 to $160,000 including GST, reflecting the complexity, customisation, and premium materials selected.
Timeline
The design and approval process took approximately 1.5 months, with construction completed over a further 2.5 months.
Unique Aspects
Renovating within an apartment building presents unique logistical challenges, particularly regarding access for large materials. Pre-planning and accurate access measurements were critical to allow off-site fabrication of the largest components possible.
Fortunately, the marble bench top was able to be installed in one solid piece, preserving the design intent.
Another challenge was creating a sense of spaciousness within fixed structural boundaries. Through careful planning, refined design techniques, and leveraging our extensive renovation experience, we were able to optimise the layout for improved ergonomics, functionality, and a timeless visual appeal.
Materials and finishes
This kitchen featured a selection of premium, non-standard finishes, including:
Cabinet internals constructed from 18mm laminate.
Drawer fronts, doors, and panels crafted from 25mm moisture-resistant MDF, finished in polyurethane with an AquaStop seal.
Curved elements incorporated into the island, overheads, and tall cabinetry end panels.
Brass shadow lines integrated into the joinery for a sophisticated detail.
Custom-made rounded mouldings for the plinth base, finished in polyurethane.
An 80mm marble bench top with full bullnose edging, complemented by a bookmatched marble splashback, requiring precise craftsmanship and extra care from the stonemason.
We understand that hiring a contractor is a big decision. You can put your trust in Awacon – we won’t let you down. We work hard to deliver, we do what we say we’ll do, and we handle the unforeseen issues that crop up with professional efficiency.
There’s no construction challenge too large or too difficult for the Awacon team. Let us prove it to you.
