From the Editor
The ways in which we live in our homes are constantly changing. Often, these adjustments happen incrementally: rooms are rearranged as families expand in number, children grow up and move out, and living requirements shift. For many Australians, the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a sudden and unexpected need for dedicated spaces in our houses from which to work and learn remotely.
With more time spent in our domestic settings, conversations may have turned to more substantial changes to our homes. Several of the houses in this issue demonstrate different architectural approaches to evolution. Fox Johnston (cover, page 20) synthesizes old and new in a Sydney harbourside residence with architectural pedigree, while Virginia Kerridge Architect (page 68) pairs an aging farmstead in rural New South Wales with a “bigger, stronger offspring,” and Wowowa (page 60) revitalizes a 1960s-era brick bungalow in Melbourne, saluting the original house with colour and wit.
I’m also relishing change this year, stepping into a new role with Houses.I look forward to bringing you many more inspiring homes in future issues.
Alexa Kempton, editor 01 Be transported poolside in artist Eliza Gosse’s exhibition at Edwina Corlette Gallery in New Farm, Brisbane. Gosse’s artworks revel in the forms and colours of postwar-era suburban architecture and, in this collection, modernist houses are the backdrop to idyllic swimming pools. Though the nostalgia-tinged artworks are almost entirely unoccupied, the inviting scenes will have you reaching for an imagined drink, condensation collecting under your sun-warmed fingertips. You’re Poolside and Everything is Perfect is on until 17 April 2021. Artwork: Eliza Gosse, Tanning
Oil Glistened on Their Skin, Feet Sinking into Water, 2021. elizagosse.com 02 Canberra is celebrating
150 years since the birth of architect Marion Mahony Griffin. Griffin’s work was integral to the competition-winning scheme for the design of the Australian capital, won by her husband Walter Burley Griffin. The Griffins were also instrumental in the design of Castlecrag in Sydney, envisioning it as a utopian community. Canberra events include A City of Ideas: Marion Markers, a self-guided stroll along Lakeside Walk featuring original drawings by Marion (until August). Image: National Capital Authority nca.gov.au/marion 03 Join the Houses team to celebrate the best of Australian residential architecture and design at the 2021 Houses Awards. Winners of the nine categories, including the Australian House of the Year, will be announced on Friday 30 July. We hope to see you there! Pictured is Cantala Avenue House by ME, named House of the Year at the 2020 Houses Awards. Photograph: Christopher Frederick Jones. housesawards.com.au