Where classic and contemporary perfectly intertwine, Adorn reimagines the glamour of Sydney’s golden era into a sophisticated and timeless composition. Drawing inspiration from the historic Ritz Cremorne – once hailed as ‘Sydney’s Finest Private Hotel’ when it opened in 1913 – the design of the building captures the allure and luxury that made the landmark an esteemed holiday destination for so many years. It also pays homage to Cremorne’s rich Art Deco heritage, favouring generosity and opulence over minimalism. This design philosophy is evident in the graceful curves, elegant stepped details, textured brick facade and a sumptuous palette of materials that together create a truly luxurious living experience.
An ode to Cremorne’s iconic heritage character, Adorn’s architecture is an expression of generosity, elegance and exquisite craftsmanship. The building has been designed to become a new landmark of the area, harmoniously blending the past and present while elevating the residential fabric of the neighbourhood. At once refined and robust, the built form is distinguished by a captivating interplay of curved elements, celebrating Art Deco design principles and evoking a sense of fluidity and movement.
Predominantly crafted from brick, the facade materiality meets an exceptional standard of design artistry, ensuring it will age gracefully over time. Each handcrafted brick is meticulously and individually laid, resulting in an organic, subtly imperfect quality that imparts unique character to the structure. The natural beauty of the materials is complemented by an abundance of lush vegetation, which spills over edges and climbs walls, creating a sense of the building being enveloped by nature.
Working with Andrew and his team has been an incredible process. He’s a great patron of architecture and is constantly challenging us to push the envelope. We first met Andrew about 8 years ago when he commissioned us to design a luxury residence project in Lindfield. The second project was Riserva, Cammeray, which is now completed and was very successful. Adorn will be our third collaboration together and our best yet.
At Adorn, we’ve prioritised a sense of generosity, openness and light. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed as a corner unit, allowing for multiple aspects and abundant natural light while also promoting airflow.
This is an intimate and private project. There are only 11 apartments, with no more than three units on each floor, meaning you’ll never have more than 3 neighbours. Because of that, there will be a really strong sense of community here.
The architecture draws inspiration from the neighbourhood’s Art Deco heritage, an era which emphasised ornamentation and detail. This influence is reflected in our attention to detailing throughout the building. We’ve incorporated elegant ornamentation around windows, doorways and arches, with the structure gently curving to embrace the site. While recent trends have favoured minimalism, at Adorn we’ve embraced the beauty of doing more.
We’ve selected brick as the primary façade material to emphasise the building’s curves and how it interacts with light throughout the day. Its texture and modularity highlight the structure’s fluid movement, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow. Brick also brings a sense of organic imperfection, adding depth and character that enriches the overall design.
Nestled among a verdant streetscape of mature canopy trees, Adorn is thoughtfully designed to enhance the natural beauty of its surroundings while promoting an invigorating outdoor lifestyle. The open-plan living area seamlessly extends onto a spacious wrap-around terrace, facilitating effortless entertaining and offering sweeping views of the city skyline. A carefully curated collection of lush plant species adds visual interest and tranquility, inviting daily connections to nature with minimal maintenance. This lush greenery also serves to soften the architectural form, delivering a harmonious composition.
In exploring Cremorne’s history, we uncovered a legacy of opulence, particularly in its iconic Art Deco architecture. We found this was missing quite a bit in the current design landscape and so we really wanted to draw on that and bring it into the interiors. The facade has these really beautiful soft curves and stepped details and we wanted to play with this internally, creating a cohesive design. Personally I think it’s a really exciting and unique project because of this!
We also used the area’s Art Deco heritage as a source of inspiration for the materials, embracing beautiful warm timbers and luxurious natural stones. The materials are all honest, authentic and designed to age gracefully, exuding generosity and richness. The joinery, too, is treated as an art piece, seamlessly integrated into the design rather than merely stuck on.
The spaces are first and foremost designed for the buyer. We’re always mindful of how someone will use the space and we want to make sure everything is designed to intuit the way people really live. At Adorn, we made many specific design choices. For instance, the primary bedroom is separate from the living rooms and other bedrooms to create a sense of retreat. We’ve also made sure the storage is optimised throughout.
Definitely the kitchen. From the finishes to the form, it really creates a centrepiece for the home and is designed for entertaining. We’ve integrated a dry bar and butler’s pantry, emphasising the usability of the space and creating a sense of luxury. The beautiful stone island bench references the facade and surrounding area with its soft curves and stepping. Seamlessly integrated appliances and joined handles create a sleek, cohesive look, elevating the overall experience of the space. An abundance of storage options have also been incorporated for the ultimate functionality and convenience.
Echoing the architectural design ethos, Adorn’s interiors capture the generosity, elegance, and luxury of the Art Deco movement while delivering an unparalleled sense of liveability and comfort. The finishes palette reveals delightful moments of opulence, where rich timber materials are beautifully complemented by striking natural stone details. Throughout each residence, hardwood timber floors provide a durable foundation for modern living, infusing the space with an aura of natural beauty and warmth. Adorn’s impeccable design strikes the perfect balance between high-end luxury and everyday functionality.
At Adorn, connections to the outdoors are paramount, with panoramic vistas framing the living spaces and providing a breathtaking backdrop for daily life. Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the interiors with natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere while highlighting the exquisite details of the finishes and fixtures. Meticulous planning further reinforces this commitment to liveability, fostering a sense of flow and connection in the main living areas while creating a serene sanctuary in the private spaces.
The centrepiece of Adorn is its masterfully designed entertainer’s kitchen – a stunning embodiment of contemporary sophistication. Featuring sculptural curved details and gentle stepping, the striking stone island bench echoes the Art Deco-inspired architecture, establishing a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. A suite of high-end appliances elevates your cooking and cleaning rituals, while plentiful storage ensures the ultimate convenience. Adjacent to the kitchen, a luxurious integrated dry bar awaits, complete with exquisite display shelving, a polished stone bench and a state-of-the-art wine fridge – a true celebration of Art Deco glamour.
At Adorn, the design seamlessly blends the joys of entertaining with the necessity of personal retreat. Recognising the importance of privacy, the palatial primary suite is thoughtfully positioned away from the main living areas, featuring an expansive bedroom, generous walk-in wardrobe and well-appointed ensuite. At once stylish and serene, the ensuite embodies the Art Deco elegance that characterises the entire residence, distinguished by a sophisticated curved mirror, luxurious brushed nickel tapware, bespoke lighting and exquisite fluted glass. An oversized shower pairs with a capacious freestanding tub, creating the ultimate retreat for relaxation and rejuvenation.