Castlecrag House
Project Team
Darren Campbell
Consultants
Builder: Krslovic Homes
Engineer: Partridge Partners (structural), StormCivil (stormwater)
Landscaping: JCA Landscape Architects
Town planning: Colston Budd Hunt & Kafes
Site details
Location: Castlecrag
Site area: 762.5m2
Type: Alterations and additions
Project details
Status: Built
Design, documentation: 6 months
Construction: 10 months
Details: This site on Edinburgh Road Castlecrag is advantageously located adjacent to a bushland reserve that runs from Edinburgh Road down to the Sugarloaf Bay with magnificent water views. Constructed in the 1950s the house is one of many red-brick and terracotta-roofed houses scattered through this locality. Its particular design elements include 3-layers of corbelled brickwork under the eaves line, steel pipe columns supporting the front verandah and rear balcony, and rock-faced sandstone garage walls. While the interior living spaces had little relationship with the bushland setting the building was well positioned on the site and its form was comfortable under the tall canopy of native trees.
The design intention for this project is to improve the way the building integrates with the site and to maximise the bushland and water views. As most of the house was in original condition and structurally sound it made sense to reuse as much as possible of the existing building. The new additions focused on the rear of the building, preserving the scale of the original when viewed from Edinburgh Road and activating a lower level as the site slopes away. Flat roofs are featured in the design to preserve views from all levels within the building, from the Edinburgh Road and adjacent sites. A new lower ground level provides additional accommodation and living space with a minimum impact on bulk and scale. At ground level, the building is extended towards the water incorporating open plan living spaces and projecting outdoor terraces. Much care and attention are focused on regenerating native vegetation, preserving site contours and integrating with established vegetation and naturally occurring sandstone.
