“What on earth have we done?”. That was the question husband and wife Christian and Kristina Kalcic asked, just one week after settling on their new home in the Summer of 2021, at 12 Wigram Road, Glebe. You can understand why – peeling paint, exposed floors and an unkept garden were unmissable features of the 140-year-old terrace.

Owners of Sydney-based building company KDE Constructions, Christian and Kristina pushed past the intimidation of the task ahead, to fulfil their mission of bringing the home back to life. “We likened it to Pandora’s Box as every day there was a new surprise waiting for us,” Christian remarks, revealing significant rectification was required from the shortcuts during the build in 1886. “It had undoubtedly changed hands (and paint colours) many times over the years. We found that out the hard way when paint stripping the staircase’s handrails. We counted close to 8 or 9 colours as we worked our way down to the original timber.”

 

 

He adds that neighbours had told them that the home also had a history as a share house, with living areas being enclosed into bedrooms and an outhouse where the car hardstand now is. It’s those neighbours, they say, who are in part to thank for the build running so successfully, affording them significant patience and kindness throughout the process. “The eventual new owner is going to feel right at home with them next door,” Christian says. With that, a specialist team was assembled. “Engineers, heritage planners, trades and all of the extended team from KDE shared the common goal in making this terrace more structurally sound than it had ever been. A great challenge that we are now better builders for.”

The fulfilment and pride this husband-and-wife feel is clear, as is the energy they channelled into creating a home that would stand the test of time. “With every problematic surprise that we found, we knew there had to be a solution. Understanding the effects that our industry has on the environment; it was incredibly important to know that the house would perform well. Maximising insulation, high-performing wall wraps, timber windows, block-out roman blinds, aluminium awnings and increased gyprock thickness all now play a part in naturally keeping the house warm and cool when required – ultimately reducing the need for air conditioning and any further effects on the environment.”

 

 

 

Another factor front of mind was the need to maximise liveability. “Knowing terrace houses are quite compact to begin with, we understood that maximising what we had was essential. As a young family it was important for us that every space was able to be lived in and utilised,” Kristina says. “We were constantly editing along the way and found ourselves going backwards at times – just like any builder’s family’s own renovation should. We knew what we wanted it to exceed our own expectations!”.

And maximised it they have, with the residence now a high-end home that honours both its past, and its future. Oak parquetry floors, imported Italian marble, and playful pops of colour wait inside the home’s restored façade, complete with 5-metre-wide street frontage, an entertainers’ kitchen and outdoor terrace. “The north facing rear is an aspect we are very fond of, too. We had three large skylights put in over the kitchen and living area, so what we typically know of terraces being dark is non-existent here. It’s full of natural light. Being surrounded by the colourful aspects of the home is also quite special – especially when you know you’ve had a hand in putting them there.”

 

 

Christian and Kristina even went as far as to have original ceiling roses and cornices recreated. “There’s nothing like looking back at the before and after photos. It makes the countless hours of planning, heritage researching, constructing and selecting worth it. Knowing that we gave the utmost respect and effort into restoring and recreating what would have been evident in 1886 and the Victorian era, is a great feeling. The home feels very strong and ready to last another 140 years,” they remark.

And it’s not only the home they’ve grown fond of. “Glebe is unique. The sense of community here is strong and not something we’ve experienced elsewhere. It doesn’t take long for local shop owners to remember your name or call out from the store to say good morning. It’s those little things that get you quite smitten about this leafy little suburb. We really will miss it.” It’s also connectivity that helps seal the deal of this Inner-City abode. “Not having to use your car all weekend is a real highlight!”, they add.

 

 

 

View the listing at 12 Wigram Road, Glebe.