April 2023
Fishwick House, Walter Burley Griffin, Castlecrag c.1929
Marion Mahony Griffin and Walter Burley Griffin were preeminent architects in Australia’s early 20th century development, most notably the planning of Canberra. From 1919 their work focused on the masterplanning and early residential projects in Castlecrag – with a distinct focus on embracing the natural features of the beautiful Australian landscape.
Contemporary Castlecrag is now a rich fabric of beautiful winding streets, era defining pieces of architecture and expansive harbour views that make it a wonderful destination for an urban walk.
THE CASTLECRAG TOUR ITINERARY:
Start/Finish: Quadrangle Shopping Centre (100 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag)
Distance: 8.0km (allow 3 hours)
Stop #1: GSDA No. 1 & No.2
Address: 136 & 140 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
Architect: Walter Burley Griffin
Completed: 1921
Situated right near each other are the original Walter Burley Griffin demonstration houses c.1921 for the new development of the area. Nestled in behind the original stone clad dwelling of GSDA No. 1 is also the more contemporary Bruce Rickard project completed in 1995.
Stop #2: The Parapet
Address: 4, 8, 10 & 12 The Parapet, Castlecrag
Walk along The Parapet and uncover a range of Griffin and Eric Nicholls houses. The Grant House at 8 The Parapet was the Griffin’s own home from 1924-31. The majority of the early Griffin dwellings were constructed from locally quarried sandstone, randomly set in massive walls that create a dramatic dialogue with the natural setting.
Stop #3: Griffin Memorial Fountain
Address: Cnr Edinburgh Road and Sortie Port
Artist: Bim Hilder
Find your way back to Edinburgh Road and visit the Griffin Memorial Fountain on your way eastward past many beautiful projects and views.
Stop #4: Audette House
Address: 265 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
Architect: Peter Mueller
Completed: 1953
This wonderful project utilises a unique mix of Frank Lloyd Wright style, Japanese form and mid-century ideas to create one of Australia’s finest houses.
Stop #5: Buhrich House I
Address: 315 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
Architect: Hugh Buhrich
Completed: 1952
The first of two houses by Buhrich in the area. This one is the earlier of the two and is designed in a European International style manner (with some recent additions).
Stop #6: Castlecrag House
Address: 325 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
Architect: Neeson Murcutt
Completed: 2011
A winner of the Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture at the 2011 National Awards. Be sure to look up the beautiful interiors while capturing this understated view from the street.
Stop #7: Buhrich House II
Address: 375 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
Architect: Hugh Buhrich
Completed: 1972
At the very end of Edinburgh Road is a unique piece of Australian organic modernism – refer especially to the profile of the beautiful undulating ceiling that can be seen from the street.
Stop #8: Edinburgh Road Gardens
Address: 298 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
After exploring Sugarloaf Point return to the Edinburgh Road Gardens and stroll down the steps to the harbour edge at this public park area.
Once you have taken in all of the view continue back up at Edinburgh Road and make your way along Tor Walk and onto Linden Way around back to Edinburgh Road – enjoy the beautiful water views and be sure to stay hydrated as this segment is a generous uphill trek.
Stop #9:
Address: 200 Edinburgh Road, Castlecrag
Architect: Allen Jack + Cottier
Completed: 1964
When you find your way back up the hill to the ridge of Castlecrag locate this beautiful late mid-century project.
Across the side street at 198 Edinburgh Road sits a more recent house by Philip Cox.
Stop #10: Meller House
Address: 3 Tower Reserve, Castlecrag
Architect: Harry Seidler
Completed: 1950
The next house sits in just off Edinburgh Road. This Seidler house is next to the original rock formation that the area was named after.
Stop #11: Fishwick House
Address: 15 The Citadel, Castlecrag
Architect: Walter Burley Griffin
Completed: 1929
Return onto Edinburgh Road and around to The Citadel to discover one of the finest examples of Griffin’s early houses in the area.
Stop #12: Haven Amphitheatre
Address: The Barricade, Castlecrag
Architect: Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahoney Griffin
Completed: 1930’s
From the previous stop take the walkway between 17 and 19 The Citadel, follow the low bollards directing you first to Oriel Reserve and then The Bartizan. Continue to down to the corner of The Scarp and The Barricade where below street level is the Haven Amphitheatre, an early public space designed by the Griffin’s that is still in use today.
Stop #13: Lucas House
Address: 80 The Bulwark, Castlecrag
Architect: Bill and Ruth Lucas
Completed: 1957
Return along The Scarp and on to The Bulwark to unearth the next house hovering in the trees in rich contrast to the monolithic forms of the Griffin houses.
Stop #14: Pangloss
Address: 3 The Bastion, Castlecrag
Architect: Walter Burley Griffin and Eric Nicholls
Completed: 1939
The next area to explore is another concentration of Griffin and Nicholls houses at 2, 4, 7 & 8 The Barbette, as well as the final stop at 3 The Bastion.
From here follow The Bastion around onto Sortie Port which leads back to near where the journey started on Edinburgh Road to culminate this journey around the beautiful Castlecrag area.
Bonus Stop: Willoughby Incinerator
Address: 2 Small Street, Willoughby
Architect: Walter Burley Griffin
Completed: 1934
The recently renovations to The Incinerator Café has breathed new life into the stunning Willoughby Incinerator building design by Walter Burley Griffin.
The incinerator can be found at the end of the Griffin Federation Trail (an optional extra to the Castlecrag walk) that connects to the park between 36 and 38 The Rampart, close to start and end of the walk.
Image Sources:
All images supplied by Author