Castle Residences: Combining heritage restoration with new technology to redefine Sydney CBD living
United Development Sydney's Castle Residences stands as one of the CBD's most striking heritage restoration projects.
Castle Residences, high above the bustling intersection of Bathurst and Castlereagh Streets on the fringe of Hyde Park, are located atop the restored 142-year old, heritage-listed Porter House building.
The Porter House building, which has previously served as a tobacco factory and furniture manufacturers, boasts a sandstone facade and arched windows, originally constructed for the Dixson & Sons tobacco company. It stands as a rare, well-preserved example of a commercial building in the city centre, featuring inside details like pressed metal ceilings and an art-deco marble staircase.
It now has taken on a new life as the Porter House Hotel, a 122-room hotel with suites, private event and conference rooms, and hospitality venues.
A collaborative effort with the esteemed architects Candalepas Associates and the renowned builder Hutchies, the hotel includes Henry's Bread and Wine on the ground floor and Dixson & Sons restaurant and bar on level one.
The new hotel offers a number of benefits to residents of Castle Residences, located next to and above the hotel. Residents have access to the exclusive Digit Valet—a walking, talking iPad concierge, the only one of its kind in Australia—that enhances the convenience and city living experience for residents.
Residents can tap into the hotel services for a fee, with services ranging from in-residence catering and room service to housekeeping and maintenance, all conveniently managed through the iPad app.
Additional services and facilities such as taxi bookings, restaurant reservations, dry-cleaning, courier services, laundry, and valet parking are also offered.
The hotel facilities include a pool, gym, business centre, and various restaurants and bars.
Candalepas Associates and Hutchies were also in charge of the designs and build for the Castle Residences, 131 apartments ranging from studios to penthouse suites, each embodying Manhattan-style elegance with sculptural cantilevers, alcoves, and honeycomb-like arches.
While the architectural design draws inspiration from the site's mercantile history, the upper levels present a breathtaking oasis with Babylon-style hanging gardens on stepped terraces, creating a modern structure that seemingly hovers over the heritage-listed building.
Internally, StudioAria has crafted timeless and contemporary-designed studios, along with one, two, three, and four-bedroom apartments. European oak and pale limestone finish infuse a soft and inviting ambience into every space.
The residences boast sophisticated Miele appliances, Gaggenau entertainer kitchens in select units, and impeccably designed bathrooms.
Castle Residences also serves an integrated D-Mag parking system, offering residents a convenient robot valet service.
