Modern Warehouse Loft Turned Into A Cozy Concrete Bunker

When tasked with re-designing this loft apartment from Camperdown, Australia the architects at Killing Matt Woods studio went for a concrete box approach, wanting to emphasize the raw and minimalist nature of the space and also to highlight its industrial heritage. The apartment is part of what was previously a warehouse. The owners wanted a fresh start and most importantly they were excited to get rid of all and any unimportant elements and to only keep the absolute basics in their life. In other words they wanted their home to match their minimalist lifestyle.

The apartment has an open plan design with a mezzanine bedroom
The apartment has an open plan design with a mezzanine bedroom
The raw concrete finish white defines almost every surface is balanced out by strategic wood accents
The raw concrete finish white defines almost every surface is balanced out by strategic wood accents
Delicate curves and lines soften the harsh aesthetic of the apartment giving it a unique vibe
Delicate curves and lines soften the harsh aesthetic of the apartment giving it a unique vibe

In order to reach the whole “concrete bunker”-inspired look, the architects focused on using simple materials, colors and finishes and on reducing the apartment to its bare essentials. Of course, the owners wanted it to be utilitarian but also to feel inviting and homely. That’s when all the custom-designed furniture pieces and design elements come into play. For a concrete box the apartment sure features very little actual cement in its design. Instead it has a concrete finish which is merely an appearance, a veil that covers a home that’s ultimately warm and welcoming.

The lighting fixtures serve as statement pieces, helping to enrich the apartment's overall design and decor
The lighting fixtures serve as statement pieces, helping to enrich the apartment’s overall design and decor
Although it can look rather cold and austere, the concrete shell actually gives the apartment a cozy feel
Although it can look rather cold and austere, the concrete shell actually gives the apartment a cozy feel
The sleeping area is as simple as the rest of the apartment but looks and feels very warm and cozy
The sleeping area is as simple as the rest of the apartment but looks and feels very warm and cozy
There are numerous accent details all around the apartment which feature curves and rounded corners
There are numerous accent details all around the apartment which feature curves and rounded corners
Even the wall itself curves at the top, seamlessly blending with the ceiling
Even the wall itself curves at the top, seamlessly blending with the ceiling
The living area has a large glazed wall which lets natural flood the entire apartment
The living area has a large glazed wall which lets natural flood the entire apartment
A lot of the furniture pieces have been custom-designed specifically for this apartment
A lot of the furniture pieces have been custom-designed specifically for this apartment
The arched design is also introduced in the bathroom which is small but also bright and airy
The arched design is also introduced in the bathroom which is small but also bright and airy
You can see here how seamless the transition between the walls and ceiling is
You can see here how seamless the transition between the walls and ceiling is