The appeal of a warehouse apartment residence cannot be denied. Vast areas in which to create your dream home sound good on paper, but there can be pitfalls.

Architect Sam Marshall, winner of the 2003 RAIA Wilkinson Award for the conversion of a 1903 warehouse into a residence and studio, says, "Buildings must be living, yet respect their heritage."

One of the most important fundamentals is to understand your environment. "The abundance of space is a warehouse’s greatest asset," Sam says. "With a warehouse you essentially have a blank canvas, which can simultaneously be both exciting and daunting."

Most warehouse spaces have cavernous interiors that really need to be divided into separate areas to create a sense of homeliness and intimacy. The means of supporting such levels does have to be factored in – trusses or beams are one method, or if the roof struts are strong enough, suspended levels are another option. But it is important to make sure that the materials used tie in with the overall aesthetic of the building.

Another thing to consider is that many industrial spaces carry the issues of their past – potential contaminants can include asbestos and heavy chemicals – so it is essential that a safe and non-toxic environment is achieved before any work is begun.

Warehouses were often built as economically as possible, with little emphasis on heating or cooling. That said, Sam says the buildings tend to be very strong and robust, meaning the shell can be quite accommodating to any changes you plan to make.

Sound is often seen as a problem of large open areas, though this can be overcome with the addition of domestic rugs, bedding and furnishings. "There is an implicit expectation that warehouses have an audible sound, so it is almost unnatural to create a noiseless environment," Sam says.

Privacy, or lack thereof, is something that can be addressed by the inclusion of walls, though it is important to maintain the balance between lifestyle and seclusion. "Warehouses give you the opportunity to be clever about your design," Sam says. "They give you the opportunity to take the exterior wrapping and create something both functional and beautiful."

Contact an architect in your area to find out how you can make the right choices when deciding on a warehouse apartment.