Alistair: Posted on Monday, 7 March 2011 11:14 PM

Unfortunately, architectural styles and periods never have a neat start date, and finish date, as Architecture is always evolving.  One of my favorite periods of residential architecture is now being loosely defined as “mid-century modern”, which can mean different things to different people.

Mid Century Modern
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Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

It was an exciting time for new building as architects were rejecting all that history had previously offered and were bravely experimenting with new forms, new materials and new ways of living.  While we are now well into the 21st century some of the influences of this period can still be seen today, such as open-plan living and the use of large windows to bring the outside in.

One of the challenges of this period is actually the preservation of the mid-century modern buildings as many cannot see the importance, and charm of them.  Sadly many were built by families in wealthy areas, and as time has passed they have fallen into disrepair and been bulldozed for newer housing.

Mid Century Modern

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Wikipedia defines mid-century modern as  is an architectural, interior and product design form that generally describes mid-20th century developments in modern design, architecture, and urban development from roughly 1933 to1965. The term was coined in 1983 by Cara Greenberg for the title of her book, Mid-Century Modern: Furniture of the 1950s (Random House), celebrating the style which is now recognized by scholars and museums worldwide as a significant design movement.

Perhaps the capital of this style is Palm Springs, California, which celebrates the style by holding an annual Modernism Week which includes Architectural tours, lectures, films, parties, design and the Modernism Antique Show.

Closer to home the movement is championed by Modernist Australia (see http://www.modernistaustralia.com/) with lots of interesting links, including current real estate offerings from around Australia, in the hope that fans of the period (like myself) will save them from the wrecking ball.  Modernist Australia has put a simple list together which helps explain what features are most likely to be found in a Mid-Century Modern Home:

• Use of the natural elements to regulate temperature, air-flow and efficiency of the home’s energy use e.g.: Solar Passive Design.
• Flat or single angled rooflines.
• Floor to ceiling windows.
• Clean lines and open plan spaces.
• Specific attention paid to the site pre-construction and the building’s placement within the block e.g.: The front of the house does not have to face the street.
• Split-levels and sunken living areas.
• Uninterrupted Indoor/outdoor areas.
• Lack of decorative and ornate styling such as ceiling roses, iron lacework etc.

The use of new materials for the era e.g.: laminate, stainless steel, large scale glass panes, plastics and also natural and textural surfaces of interest such as wood paneling, slate, shag carpets, woven curtains.

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Mid Century Modern
Rose Seidler House

Perhaps the quintessential house of the era is Harry Seidler’s Rose Seidler House in Sydney.  This home was one of Harry’s first, and was enormously influential on Australian residential architecture. Fortunately, this has been recognized and is now considered an historic house and will be preserved for future generations.

Here in Melbourne I came across this YouTube video tribute to Anatol Kagan, who was a Russian architect, who designed hundreds of mid-century modern homes around Melbourne.  I think that this video was put together from his office photos of completed projects.  Unfortunately, Anatol’s work is not well known or widely appreciated, however it clearly demonstrates Mid Century Modernism in Melbourne.

If anybody knows of any of Anatol’s work (or similar Mid-Century Modernist homes) coming on to the market please send the details to Modernist Australia, so there is a possibility that these important buildings are purchased by those who are sensitive to the period.  Secret Design Studio would be happy to assist any potential purchasers with a pre-purchase inspection meeting to discuss the scope and potential of any such property in the Melbourne metro area.

(Editors note – since posting this entry I have also added a lot more on this blog about mid century modern architecture on later entries, so feel free to have a look around….)