The Jenga Loft is more than a renovation - it’s a deeply personal project, shaped by a love of craftsmanship, an upbringing in a heritage farmhouse, and the inspiration drawn from travels through Spain.
In a converted warehouse in Surry Hills, founder of JFORM Jonathan Friend presents this masterclass in blending contemporary design with natural elements, resulting in a space that feels sculptural, tactile, and alive.
Inviting yet sophisticated, and modern with organic sensibilities, it’s perhaps unsurprising to hear the space was born from a single thrifted purchase.
“I found my kitchen taps at a market in Majorca,” Jonathan says. “And basically I went from there with the design.”
At the heart of the home is the striking Jenga-inspired staircase - an angular, stacked structure that embodies a sense of movement and precision, much like the game itself. “It became the centrepiece,” Jonathan explains. “Not just a functional element, but a sculptural piece that reinforces the loft’s creative energy.” Surrounding it, an interplay of timber, concrete, and glass delivers a warm, layered aesthetic that balances industrial edge with comfortable suaveness.
Three key timber species - walnut, cedar, and American oak - form the foundation of the loft’s earthy and textural palette. “Walnut, with its rich, dark tones, adds a sense of timeless elegance, while cedar brings warmth and freshness,” Jonathan says. “I even aged parts of the timber to create a sense of history, making it feel like it’s been here forever.”
Despite its compact footprint, the loft exudes openness, with a layout designed with fluidity in mind, allowing movement between spaces to feel effortless. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame long views of the surrounding cityscape, adding valuable natural light to the interiors, while handcrafted Spanish tiles and textured wall finishes inject depth and personality.
“Spanish design has this incredible way of layering materials to create warmth and atmosphere,” Jonathan says. “That was something I really wanted to bring into this space.”
Beyond its striking visual appeal, the loft is designed to enhance daily rituals. A custom-built kitchen with a sculptural island bench serves as a focal point for cooking and conversation, while an infrared sauna adds an unexpected layer of luxury to Inner Sydney living.
“There’s something about this space that just makes you slow down,” Jonathan says. “Even though it’s in the middle of Surry Hills, it has this calm, grounding energy.”
More than a design piece and home, the loft has a way of imparting its unique expression of artistry, function, and personal history on its visitors - place where design is both thought provoking, and there to be lived in.
“It represents everything I love,” Jonathan says. “Growing up in a heritage farmhouse on the south coast gave me a love of classic craftsmanship and materiality. Jenga Loft is a chance to bring that to life in a space that feels individual and incredibly memorable.”
