New Castle
Quietly nestled in the foothills of southern Merewether, New Castle manifests a subtle grandeur that is both ambitious and refined. Romantically envisioned as an invisible garden of paradise, the residence's design is entirely encompassed within a walled garden, creating a sub rosa sanctuary for its inhabitants. A thick limestone wall begins at one corner at hip height and rises to nearly two stories at the opposite corner, with only a few thoughtfully placed openings offering intriguing glimpses of what lies within, which include a cluster of Cabbage tree palms and a mature evergreen Magnolia Grandiflora.
Despite its size, the house never fully reveals its scale from the street. Openings are either massive or minimal – never in between – enhancing its sense of mystery. This design has sparked curiosity, causing passers-by to stop, stare, and attempt to comprehend what the building truly is.
I intentionally wanted the project to appear otherworldly and intriguing. This was achieved by creating uncanny scales and proportions and using vaguely familiar materials – such as non-native limestone and raw concrete – in unexpected ways, like the thin in-situ poured concrete columns that are at a height that doesn’t entirely make sense.
Inside the garden wall, the rooms of the house snake around, forming more hidden pockets of outdoor space. This procession of rooms, each nearly a single room wide, allows for multiple perspectives and interactions with the gardens, while inviting natural light and ventilation into every corner of the home.
The varying levels throughout the home each cultivate a unique relationship with the garden. The ground floor, with its enveloping loggia and three-story courtyards, engages in a wet and shaded dialogue. The middle level, featuring an open-air promenade and pool, centres around the dryness and the canopy. Finally, the top level, dedicated solely to the master bedroom, offers an intimate connection with the sky and the horizon.
From the first conversations with the clients to the ever-evolving environment of the garden, the project has been a continuous and dynamic collaboration between the client, architect, consultants and builder. With a tiny team of 1 young architect and graduate, No fewer than 600 drawings have been issued and a text conversation reaching over 1000 pages between the architect and the builder have culminated in the completion of this extraordinary home. Every joint, screw, formwork line, and material finish has been meticulously considered, built over a remarkably quick 2.5 year construction period. The project is a testament to the dedication and craftsmanship of everyone involved.
New Castle is a once-in-a-career project, showcasing ambition, love, and tenacity in every detail.
