Torbreck

Torbreck Apartment Renovation and Torbreck Apartment Renovation 2.0
KIN Architects | 2018 & 2024

Located in Brisbane’s iconic mid-century Torbreck building, KIN Architects have completed two distinct but complementary apartment renovations — each tailored to its owner’s unique lifestyle while celebrating the building’s heritage and sweeping views.

The first, completed in 2018, was designed for a young professional couple, Mat and Steph, who envisioned a home with the relaxed feel of a wine bar. This vision evolved into a complete renovation, crafting a series of multi-functional spaces within the apartment’s generous living volume — including zones for dining, music, entertaining, and reading — all oriented towards the spectacular outlook. Materials were thoughtfully selected to complement Torbreck’s mid-century character, blending warm timbers, brick, and deep blue accents drawn from the building’s façade. Sustainability was a core focus: marble and appliances were salvaged during demolition, and recycled hardwoods were sourced from Kennedy’s for flooring and bespoke cabinetry, crafted by William McMahon. The result is a sophisticated, flexible interior that celebrates craftsmanship, collaboration, and a strong connection to place.

Completed in 2024, Torbreck Apartment Renovation 2.0 offers a fresh reinterpretation. Designed for a Stradbroke Island resident seeking a city pad, this renovation embraces an ocean-inspired palette and a focus on reconnecting with the apartment’s remarkable views. The once-enclosed kitchen has been opened into the living space, featuring a bull-nosed counter that extends across one wall to maximise storage and bench space. Throughout the living areas, custom cabinetry, reflective surfaces, and strategic furniture orientation enhance the abundant vistas and scarce natural light.

Blue and green tones, referencing both the building’s exterior and the nearby water, are layered through cabinetry, tiles, and textured glass elements — including handmade splashback tiles crafted from recycled computer chips. Warmth is added through bamboo flooring, spotted gum detailing, and a curved section of cork flooring in the kitchen. White taps and Corian benchtops nod to the apartment’s modernist roots, while ensuring a fresh, contemporary feel.

Together, the two renovations demonstrate KIN Architects’ sensitivity to context, materiality, and the personal stories of each resident, revitalising two apartments within one of Brisbane’s most celebrated architectural landmarks.

Tour tickets will grant you access to both apartments in a 45 minute tour.