This old walk-up apartment is located on the third level of a four-storey block and is home to a couple in their late 30s who work in the airline industry. Although well-maintained by its previous owner, the interior decoration was outdated and the layout did not suit the couple’s needs and lifestyle.
Who Lives Here A couple in their late 30s and their two cats
Home A walk-up apartment at Salam Walk
Size 1,561 sq ft (145 sqm)
Interior Designer three-d conceptwerke
Brutalist Interior Design
Their brief to Three-D Conceptwerke was to design a Brutalist interior.
Derived from the French term “Beton Brut”, which means “raw concrete”, Brutalism is characterised by the prevalent use of concrete elements and raw, unfinished surfaces that play up the materials and textures, light and shadow.
The entire apartment was gutted, leaving only one internal wall separating the living area and master bedroom.
In reconfiguring the floor plan and designing the new interior, the Three-D Conceptwerke team took into consideration the existing character of the apartment and neighbourhood, as well as the requirements of the homeowners to create a new home that captures the spirit of the place while reflecting the couple’s unique personalities.
Renovation Cost: $180,000
The renovation cost $180,000 excluding furniture and furnishings and the couple moved into their new home in July 2022.
![3dcw-23sw-2-1024x614-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-2-1024x614-1.jpg)
![img-20230303-wa0046](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img-20230303-wa0046.jpg)
Living Room (Before & After)
The existing living room comprised an assortment of loose furniture and was lacking in character. Although it sits three steps lower than the main entrance, the change in level did not contribute meaningfully to the existing interior.
The design team seized the opportunity and conceived of a sunken concept for the living area. The lower floor level complemented by the monochromatic Brutalist palette, gives the space a cosy, cave-like quality.
![3dcw-23sw-5-732x1024-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-5-732x1024-1.jpg)
![img-20230303-wa0045](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img-20230303-wa0045.jpg)
Balcony (Before & After)
The spacious, semi-open balcony was under-utilised before. By making it part of the apartment’s interior, the new owners now use it as a dining area. It is separated from the living room by a concrete vent block wall that reinforces the Brutalist style while allowing natural light and ventilation to filter through.
![3dcw-23sw-14-1024x919-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-14-1024x919-1.jpg)
![img-20230303-wa0043](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img-20230303-wa0043.jpg)
Kitchen (Before & After)
By relocating the dining area to the former balcony, the kitchen is no longer hemmed in and does not feel cut off from the rest of the home.
The addition of a peninsula island gives the kitchen a more open feel that allows it to connect better with the other spaces.
The kitchen was entirely relocated to the balcony.
![3dcw-23sw-16-1024x790-1 House Tour: $180,000 brutalist renovation for this walk-up apartment along Salam Walk](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-16-1024x790-1.jpg)
Apart from serving as a food preparation area, the island is also perfect for a quick meal.
![3dcw-23sw-10-1024x818-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-10-1024x818-1.jpg)
![img-20230302-wa0010-1024x685-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img-20230302-wa0010-1024x685-1.jpg)
Dining Room (Before & After)
Before the renovation, the main entrance opened right into the dining area with the kitchen and living room on the left and right respectively.
By moving the dining area to the former balcony, the zoning is much clearer and the couple now have a well-defined dining space at one end of the apartment, right next to the window.
![3dcw-23sw-17-1024x762-1 House Tour: $180,000 brutalist renovation for this walk-up apartment along Salam Walk](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-17-1024x762-1.jpg)
Curvy, graphic new doors to the balcony replaced the former green balcony doors.
To soften the hard edges of the existing beams, curves have been added such that they sweep up towards the ceiling. Concealed light strips accentuate these curves while adding to the interior’s cosy ambience.
![3dcw-23sw-7-807x1024-1](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-7-807x1024-1.jpg)
![img-20230303-wa0044](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/img-20230303-wa0044.jpg)
Bedroom (Before & After)
Due to the nature of their work, the clients needed a master bedroom that is designed such that they are able to get ready for work without disturbing the other partner who is still sleeping.
The team addressed this requirement by dividing the master suite, which has two entrances, into two separate zones – a sleeping area and an attached bathroom and walk-in wardrobe area.
![3dcw-23sw-8-1024x681-1 House Tour: $180,000 brutalist renovation for this walk-up apartment along Salam Walk](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-8-1024x681-1.jpg)
![3dcw-23sw-19-1024x802-1 A separate master bathroom and walk-in wardrobe within the master suite allows one partner to get ready for work without disturbing the other who is still asleep.](https://sonadecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/3dcw-23sw-19-1024x802-1.jpg)
The master bathroom and walk-in wardrobe can be accessed via a door that is near the study and kitchen.
At the more private end near the dining area is the door leading to the sleeping area to ensure minimal disturbance to the couple’s sleep.