Bay House by Arent&Pyke

This 365-square-metre apartment by Sydney-based design studio Arent&Pyke reflects an astute approach that brings functional elegance and narrative design.

At the core of the project is a confident approach to bespoke design. Sarah-Jane Pyke, co-founder of Arent&Pyke, explains, “As a studio, we’re influenced by the past and the decorative arts. We often deconstruct objects to reveal the handmade elements, the workmanship you can see, right down to a fingertip scale.” This meticulous approach, which is ever apparent at Bay Street House, invites engagement at different levels, ensuring a rich, multi-layered experience.

The narrative thread of Bay House is deeply informed by the clients’ love for geology and art. "The geology was a big influence," Pyke says. "Our clients were fearless in their design choices, which made the collaboration beautifully fulfilling." This influence is evident in the daring combinations of stone – from the Viola Antica in the kitchen, to the Aegean Green in the main ensuite, and the fireplace’s gilded Calacatta Borghini markings – each stone was selected for its unique hues and exquisite patterns.

Integrating the clients’ existing art and furniture with new pieces is where the talent of the studio came to the fore. Pyke notes, "We worked with what they wanted to keep, finding new homes for the original pieces. It was like putting all the pieces of the puzzle together, shaking it up and letting it land."

Everything works to complement the art collection, which is predominantly Australian landscapes. In the living room it was integral to introduce a sofa imbued with proportion and scale, and the Sengu Sofa by Patricia Urquiola for Cassina was just the right piece.

Given the owners’ passion for handmade objects and their provenance, they were interested in taking the furnishings down a more artisanal road. This led to the introduction of the Kyoto coffee tables from Poltrona Frau, where the hand worked timber and structure of the piece is a celebrated feature.

Natural stones and leather add texture and interest. Photography by Anson Smart.

In the dining area, rich dark leather Cab Chairs from Cassina offer a space to entertain, while the artwork ‘Owl Wood Morning Bay’ 2013 by Joshua Yeldham captures the eyes. Photography by Anson Smart.

The handworked details of the Kyoto Coffee Tables by Poltrona Frau bring a unique element. Photography by Anson Smart.