A Philosophy in Practice
“Simplicity, simplicity, simplicity.” With these three words, architect Ed Lippmann defines his approach to small-space design. It’s one he realised in the transformation of his son’s 50sqm/538sqft Sydney apartment, using only timber joinery throughout. The result is a cohesive and practical space; it shows how thoughtful, no-frills design – grounded in a single material – can respond beautifully to the character of an existing building. In this case, that character comes from the building’s past: originally built in the 1930s as a Reader’s Digest warehouse, it was converted into apartments some 50 years later. Nowhere is the building’s industrial past more apparent than in the apartment’s towering 3.6-metre ceilings, a feature Lippmann would later use to full advantage.
A Chef’s Brief, An Architect’s Craft
Lippmann’s son, Mitch, a chef, had a clear and considered brief for his home: “I wanted the apartment to feel like it had the amenities of a large space. Of course the footprint will never be that of an oversized home, but a large kitchen, walk-in wardrobe, and an excess of storage space give a sense of luxury.” In a somewhat meta moment for our team, Lippmann added, “Mitch insisted that it should be good enough to feature on Never Too Small.”
Before it reflected Mitch’s brief, the space was far from it. A small separated bedroom, outdated joinery, and an impractical kitchen layout constrained the space. Lippmann approached the renovation with a focus on openness and light, introducing only what was needed to make the space work harder. On his choice of timber, Lippmann quips, “It’s sustainable and smells nice.” Éire Joinery worked as timber whisperers to create floor-to-ceiling storage cupboards that now stretch the length of the main wall and incorporate the kitchen. The loft bed platform, or what Lippmann calls “the pièce de résistance,” incorporates the living room joinery, wardrobe space, and a desk area. Lippmann’s decision to raise the mattress base allows full standing height above and below, making the platform one of the apartment’s most efficient features.
The Power of Details
When the focus is on simple, functional design, every detail counts. Lippmann paid close attention to the alignment of horizontal lines in the joinery – both in the structure of the cabinetry and in the timber grain itself. Though not functional, this detail contributes to the home’s sense of order and flow. “I try to integrate the horizontal lines. It’s purely a visual thing. I think it adds some beauty,” he explains. Lippmann also collaborated with Light Practice to create a custom five-metre aluminium uplight. It runs parallel to the kitchen joinery, casting light upward to enhance the sense of space. In contrast to Lippmann’s architectural precision, Mitch’s eclectic mix of second-hand furniture adds softness, texture, and a personal layer to the space – showing how lived-in choices can be just as intentional as designed ones.
A Home with Shared Intent
Mitch’s main request was that the renovation be Never Too Small–ready, a challenge his father met with confidence. The result is a home that reflects a shared vision, a simple philosophy brought to life with timber and intention. Every element serves a purpose, allowing the space to function with ease while maintaining warmth and character. In the end, it’s a project that speaks to thoughtful design, grounded collaboration, and the beauty of doing more with less.
