Did you ever dream of living in a castle as a kid? Complete with a turret where you can perch and survey your domain? Just me? Well, perhaps not! The previous owners of the appropriately named Glebe Castle seemingly shared my childhood fantasies, but remarkably managed to achieve those dreams once they grew up and got real-life jobs and incomes...
A stone (and turret) enthusiast added a castle-inspired addition to the rear of this Glebe home many decades ago. When KLK Architecture were approached to assist the new owners with the construction stage of a further addition, “the building works had been on hold for more than two years, all but abandoned and unloved”, explains architect Kian Khoo.
Not only did KLK Architecture inherit a quirky local landmark, they also inherited an existing development application with council’s stamp of approval. So, to avoid opening a sizable can of worms and the prospect of further delaying the completion of the project, it was imperative that they not modify the exterior from the approved plans. But! There was nothing to stop them having some fun with the interiors…
With fantastic clients who "really wanted something different and personal, and not be subjected to the norm", the architect was able to push the creative envelope. "This outcome wouldn’t have been possible without their vision", explains Kian.
The internal spaces themselves are simple and restrained, a practical response to a site that is both steep and narrow. But to do this whimsical home justice, the interior is filled with bold colours and extravagant wallpaper fit for a royal. Pops of Blaze Blue and various hues of pink enliven the interior and are balanced against textural greys and glimpses of the beautiful sandstone.
A glazed strip abutting the original sandstone turret and spanning all 3 levels of the home makes a feature of the stone work, bathing it in shadows throughout the day to highlight its inherent beauty.
And of course, every self-respecting turret requires a spiral staircase. This spiral staircase looks like a piece of sculpture in perforated steel. It has a lightness, like lace, that contrasts with the heaviness of the stonework. The tiny holes allow light to filter down to the lower levels and its circular shape conserves precious floor space, though it may give anyone with a fear of heights the heebie-jeebies.
For that matter, the net over the lower stair’s void is also not one for the faint of heart, but it does provide a fun extension of the floor area that would otherwise be wasted. And, judging by these pictures at least, the owners’ children ain’t afraid of no danger.
With a nod to the quirky exterior, KLK Architecture has matched the home’s energy and injected personality and fun into the interior as well, making the most of a project constrained by an existing exterior design and a steep, narrow site. The architect has successfully turned their client’s castle into a home. It does make you wonder, though: what do this family’s lucky kids dream of when they already have their own turret?
