Wickham’s new lighthouse
Two striking new townhouses in Newcastle’s inner-city suburb of Wickham reference the area’s maritime history while giving a glimpse of its urban future.
Expert painter John Hersee has worked on a plethora of high-profile residential and commercial projects throughout Newcastle and the Hunter. But he is usually working to someone else’s brief and specifications.
So, when John and his wife Jude decided to build on this inner city block in Wickham, on the corner of Union and Throsby Streets, they were ready for a unique architectural design and keen to go
all out on the materials, fixtures and finishes they love.
Standing in front of the two three-storey buildings with a courtyard at their centre, the curved glass façade is impossible to miss.
Past and future
Joel Coleman, founder of Shade Design explains, “The design is an urban take on Mediterranean architecture, mixed in with almost cruise ship like features, connecting to the precinct’s history
while adding fun and interesting vistas for the public walking the streets.
“We believe that Wickham and surrounds will continue to evolve as a densely urban environment, activated through quality architecture and a variety of local businesses – a mix reminiscent of Melbourne’s cultural areas.”
John and Jude expect the location to develop into “the village green of Wickham, with pedestrians and bikes all along this corridor.
“We wanted to reflect the proximity to the waterfront in as many details of the build as possible. That’s why we have decided to call the property Harbour Lights,” they explain.
“Another goal was to connect heritage and sustainability. We have selected all natural products and have used recycled timber from the old David Jones building as well as bricks from the site of the Lume Apartments.”
With John and Jude owners of a well-established painting business, they made a point of working with young, up and coming trades people on this project, giving them an opportunity to showcase their skills on the build’s impressive variety of unique features.
Inside the two identical town houses, every inch of space has been used splendidly. There is a secondary living area and a bedroom suite on ground level. The kitchen and open plan main living area sit on the first floor. Another two bedrooms, each with their own ensuite bathroom, are located on the second floor with a plunge pool and built-in outdoor kitchen on the rooftop.
Talking trades
John Hersee Master Painters offer specialist painting services for both residential and commercial projects. johnhersee.com.au, 02 4961 3434
The team at SHADE designs unique spaces for the life you want to live today and tomorrow. shadedesign.net.au, 0412 879 643
Graham Stainless Manufacturing created the elegant glass balustrades in the stairwell and pool area. mail@grahamstainless.com.au, 02 4956 9111
Mix Management is your leading local service provider for expertly managing short term rentals on Airbnb. lisa.murdoch@partner.hometime.io, 1300 616 299
Check out more beautiful homes in our Summer Edition of Hunter & Coastal Lifestyle Magazine or subscribe here.
Story by Cornelia Schulze, photography Jacob Riordan, Open Angles
