50/60/70 Iconic Australian Houses – Three Decades of Domestic Architecture

 50/60/70 Iconic Australian Houses – Three Decades of Domestic Architecture

Reviewed By  Janet Mawdesley       March 31, 2014

 

Author  Karen McCartney

Distributor:     
ISBN:                 978-1-743369586
Publisher:         Murdoch Books
Release Date:    

Website:    http://www.murdochbooks.com.au 

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Released to compliment an exhibition of Iconic Australian Houses at the Museum of Sydney in April this collection of some of the best domestic architecture to come out of the post war years is available in book format for all to enjoy. For those who are aficionados of Grand Designs or similar, budding architects, or simply have a love of good design this is a collection which should be taken seriously

Post war Australia saw the boom times begin in so many ways. Traditional values were being challenged in all walks of life, no more so that in the building of the domestic home on the domestic block of land.

The young everywhere were reaching out, experimenting in every aspect of life and in architectural areas, they were experimenting with a ‘modernist’ approach to design. Clean simple lines, shapes created to compliment the land, maintain the connectedness with earth, life and light.

In the 15 homes chosen for this showcase, all have stood the test of time; have mellowed in their surroundings to retain that sense of design, family and integrity which underpins all great designs or creations if you like.

Not content with simply designing the exterior many of the architects came up with interior designs to compliment the structure, which looking back are now re-emerging into current trends in design through the perspective of line, colour and simplicity blending into and complimenting their surroundings.

Presented in this  window into the principals which have gone on to make such an difference in Australian architecture, we step back and by doing so come forwards to the underpinning logic that with outstanding architecture, integrity remains to be handed down over generations.

Several of the homes have been modernised slightly over the years, which makes an interesting concept in design, by the use of the more modern materials, but has changed the style of the interior very little.

For those who are aficionados of Grand Designs and other such programs this is one collection that should be taken seriously, especially if you live in Australia, or even if you don’t, and are looking to create that special design or utilise timeless principals to modernise your home.

Lifestyle, Non Fiction