How to Apply Wit & Sensitivity to Architecture....

I have long been fascinated by repurposing 

old buildings to suit new needs.

And while church~to~home conversions 

pretty much divide opinions right in half, 

let's have a look at one that has been done well.

It's currently on the market,

in a pretty inner suburb of Adelaide,
and it is a former church hall. 

What I think works brilliantly here, 

is the constant gentle reference 

to the building's origins, 

yet done in a witty & respectful manner.

By painting the door fire engine red, 

they are drawing attention 

to its history. 

With tongue firmly in cheek.

The same doors, but from the interior view, 

are now seen in pristine white. 

White has been used as a foil

for the bright punches of orange and red,

and forms a wonderful backdrop to 

the impressive artwork ~ many of which have an 

almost religious reference to them. 

Subtle. Clever.

The little steplights in the lower part 

of the wall create the feeling of candlelight, 

again a reference to the building's history.

An obvious love of mid century modern 

furniture in the study. 

Love that desk!

While the little pew under the window, 

and the all~white colour scheme, 

again reminds us where we are. 

Plenty of options for outdoor living here!

Even a little tiki bar thing going on, 

should refreshment be required. 

{See the garage door on the right?

Now that's something you don't see on most church halls!}

They could have gone all out with the fence,

using an historical shape.

But I love the fact that they kept it simple,

allowing the building to take centre stage instead.

And they made sure that all visitors 

are aware of the provenance of this bluestone beauty,

by keeping the fabulous stone plaque. 

What do you think?

Would you like to live here?

Or does a church to home conversion 

feel uncomfortable to you?

Images & Agent details: Klemich

Property location: 3 Castle St, Parkside, South Australia

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