The intuitive design, sun-lit spaces, and tranquil vibe of modernist houses have an enduring appeal today. But can these homes be updated for contemporary living while maintaining the integrity of the original architecture? The New Modernist House presents twenty-one mid-century homes respectfully restored and renewed for future generations to enjoy. Designs by some of the period’s heavyweights—including Anatol Kagan, Alistair Knox, and Ernest Fooks—have been sensitively updated by today’s creative innovators.
Alongside stories of the passionate homeowners, architects, and collaborators who have given these homes new life, a historical overview and section on practical considerations inform those drawn to a modernist dream house. This colorful volume is both a useful resource for those embarking on their own renovation journey, and a sourcebook of inspiration for delighting in moments of nostalgia.
Reviews
A striking survey of Australian modernist houses built between 1953 and 1980 that have been "beautifully reimagined through… renovation." … Callan presents an insightful look into how homeowners have balanced preservation with renovation, and she illuminates how historical currents influenced the construction of each home… The result is a welcome celebration of the modernist style's enduring appeal.
— Publishers Weekly
Examines 21 midcentury houses across Australia that have been painstakingly restored and renewed …In doing so, the volume also reveals the work of lesser-known designers.
— Architectural Record
Contributors
Patricia Callan
Author
Patricia Callan is the founder of Modernist Australia, an online archive of local mid-century architecture. She has appeared on ABC radio, The Design Files, and in Fairfax publications to champion modernist architecture from a layperson's perspective.
