Back to the future with this pod pad
TAKE a step back in time at this mid-century modernist house that has intrigued locals since 1969.
The ultra-cool house at 2 Ardlui Drive, Newtown, has just hit the market and is of state architectural significance. This is due to the early use of thin shell reinforced concrete in domestic construction outside Melbourne, where architects Robin Boyd and Kevin Borland first used the material in the early 1950s.
The sympathetically refurbished house is divided into two pods. One pod is home to the open-plan living area while the other, in the shape of a dome, consists of three bedrooms.
Whitford, Newtown agent Peter Fort said the structure of the house, created by Monolithic Structures, had stayed pretty much the same since it was built.
“The vendor is an architect and appreciated the style as she is right into mid-century design,” Mr Fort said.
The property sits front row to the Barwon River and will be going to auction on Saturday, October 6, at 11am with price hopes of $600,000 to $660,000.
Mr Fort said the modernist style of house was becoming quite trendy. Studio 101 Architect’s Peter Woolard said younger people were rediscovering the era and it was becoming quite fashionable.
“As an architect we don’t see it as a fashion, we see it as an architecture movement and the design principles they had we still have today,” Mr Woolard said.
Eastwood Andrews, Geelong agent Nicole Andrews has two mid-century houses for sale — 23 Craigie Rd, Newtown and 233-235 West Fyans St, Newtown.
“We have had some local and some Melbourne people come to look at them specifically for that style,” Ms Andrews said.
“They haven’t been renovated so there is potential for mid-century enthusiasts to bring them back to life with a modern touch.”