This month you won't want to miss out on joining the launch of the Australian Architecture Association's newest tour. The Chippendale Walk - developed and led by volunteer tour leader and architect Ben Gerstel, takes place on Saturday 17 March.

The inner city urban village of Chippendale is named after William Chippendale who was granted 95 acres of farmland in 1819.

This rapidly gentrifying suburb has a colourful history as an industrial centre. Over its history the suburbs main claim to fame has been its distillery and brewery and reputation as a slum housing prostitutes, rat catchers and nefarious criminal activites.

Over the 90 minute tour you'll discover some of the suburbs architectural gems, including the Mortuary Railing Station and garden, Spice Alley and Indigo Slam, an amazing residential project by Smart Design Studio.

As part of the tour and at the conclusion of this new tour, we will be serving light refreshments at the Old Clare Hotel. The Old Clare Hotel fits very well into the fabric of this precinct.

TOUR DETAILS
Meeting Point: The Halo Sculpture, Central Park, Chippendale NSW 2008
Date: 2.00pm - 3.30pm
Time: Saturday 17 March 2018
Tickets: $35 (public) / $30 (Seniors & Students) / $8 (AAA Members)
Please note - concession ticket holders should present their ID on the tour day.

Click here to secure your place on the tour. Numbers are limited, so book now so you don't miss out!

• Article: Vanessa Couzens
• Image 1: Central Park designed by French architect Jean Nouvel (Photographer: Vanessa Couzens)
• Image 2: Indigo Slam designed by Sydney firm Smart Design Studio (Photographer: Vanessa Couzens)

On Sunday 18 November the last At Home With the Architect for 2018 visits Castle Cove House, designed by Terroir.

The history of the single-family house in Sydney during the last century is a record of changing conditions in regard to our relationship with the landscape.

Castle Cove is a classic Sydney context, landscape and geology - a steep, rocky ravine with tributaries connecting to Sydney Harbour featuring large areas of remnant bushland below which sandstone escarpments define the waterways. The sandstone geology appears at multiple scales from large cliff faces to small ruptures throughout the groundplane.

The geometry of this Castle Cove house is deliberately indeterminate, working in and around existing stone escarpments as a "third element" that over time and with patination will slip more and more from the new to pre-existing.

The concrete interior is lined with a series of timber elements that enable the occupation of this concrete landscape with a spirit and glamour reminiscent of the California houses from the 50s and 60s by John Lautner and others.

ABOUT TERROIR

TERROIR was established in 1999 by Founding Directors Gerard Reinmuth, Scott Balmforth and Richard Blythe. In 2016 TERROIR broadened its ownership to include four Principals: Scott Balmforth, Tamara Donnellan, Professor Gerard Reinmuth and Chris Rogers.

The practice has offices located in Sydney, Hobart and Copenhagen. They undertake a range of design activities encompassing architecture, urban design and creative research.

Dedicated to the realisation of projects that insist on the invention of new possibilities out of each unique condition, the quality of Terroir's work has been recognized through numerous industry awards and commendations.

TOUR DETAILS

Location: Castle Cove NSW
Please note that the address and meeting point will only be forwarded to ticket holders in the days immediately before the tour.
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 18 November 2018
Tickets: $35 (Early Bird) / $45 (Public) / $30 (AAA Members)

Don't miss your opportunity to experience the final At Home With the Architect for 2018, numbers are limited. Book your place on the tour, click here.

 

• Article: Annette Dearing & Vanessa Couzens
• Images: Castle Cove House, Castle Cove NSW designed by Terroir
• Photographer: Brett Boardman
  
  

Don't miss out on our final residential bus tour for 2018, taking place on Saturday 8 December. Enjoy visiting some of the Sydneys most interesting new and renovated contemporary architecture.

Inside the houses you will hear about the design process from the architects and see firsthand the value of good design.

Experience homes by the following architects:

• Anderson Architecture
• Ben Gerstel Architecture
• Carter Williamson Architects
• Ellen Woolley Architect
• MM+J Architects

The day includes a delicious sit down lunch, itinerary, commentary by architects at the houses and coach travel. There will also be the opportunity to talk to some of the architects at the luncheon.

TOUR DETAILS:

Location: Meet Loftus Street, beside Customs House, Circular Quay NSW 2000
Date: Saturday 8 December 2018
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Tickets: $205 (public) / $190 (AAA Members)

Hurry tickets will sell out fast, so book now!

Click here to secure your place on the tour.

• Article: Annette Dearing and Vanessa Couzens
• Image 1: 'The Shed', designed by Anderson Architecture (Image Source: Anderson Architecture)
• Image 2: 'Peakaboo House' designed by Carter Williamson (Photographer: Brett Boardman)

 

The Australian Architecture Association aims to raise $15000 and needs your support. 

With only three weeks to go you won't want to miss out the great rewards on offer for donating to the Australian Architecture Association's annual 'Keep Architecture Open' operations fund raising campaign.

Click here, to visit our donation page and take your pick of rewards, including a weekend getaway, original art works, lego architecture, books, AAA memberships and continuing professional development talks.

We are looking to raise $15,000, which will be used to help us continue to deliver and develop our unique program of architectural walks, tours and events.

As a not-for-profit organisation we rely on your continuing support to help us provide unique opportunities to learn about architecture and the built environment and keep opening the doors on contemporary design.

We aren't just asking you to give away your money! Instead the AAA wants to reward you for your generous donation to our annual appeal. Each week of the campaign we have been adding new treats to tempt you!

Don't want to claim a reward? Just want to make a donation? Please follow the link below and donate as little as $20 to our campaign.

 

DONATE NOW

Don't forget to share this campaign with your friends/colleagues to help spread the word to donate.

In October, At Home With the Architect visits The Fern, Australia's first Passivhaus certified apartment building. Located in Redfern, the eco-apartments were designed, developed and constructed by Steele Associates.

The Fern comprises of eleven - one bedroom apartments that have been designed following the principles of the voluntary Pasive House (Passivhaus) standard for energy efficiency.

The tour will be led by architect/builder Oliver Steele, director of Steele Associates.

Take this opportunity to ask all the curly questions; how do you cost effectively to create a thermal break in a concrete balcony? What are the practical considerations for Passive House on such a tight inner city site? See the rooftop plant and solar spaces.

Steele Associates pushed numerous boundaries on this project, with triple glazing, heat recovery ventilation, waxed concrete walls, and all sorts of other weird and wonderful things, said Oliver Steele.

ABOUT STEELE ASSOCIATES

Oliver Steele is both an architect and licenced builder. He established Steele Associates in 1998 and his company is based in Alexandria NSW.

The practice specialises in sustainable design, development and construction.

Oliver explains his companies ethos, 'Our vision is simple: to redefine sustainable property development and lead the market to set new benchmarks in eco-living...We believe eco-friendly design isn’t a nice-to-have – it’s fundamental to our survival. We also know it doesn’t have to cost more, and offers a far better quality of life.'

Steele Associates has received numerous design and construction industry awards and has been featured in national and international publications.

TOUR DETAILS

Location: Redfern NSW
Please note that the address and meeting point will only be forwarded to ticket holders in the days immediately before the tour.
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 28 October 2018
Tickets: $35 (Early Bird) / $45 (Public) / $30 (AAA Members)

Don't miss your opportunity to experience this green development, numbers are limited. Book your place on the tour, click here.

• Article: Annette Dearing & Vanessa Couzens
  Images: The Fern, Redfern NSW
  Images Source: Steele Associates

This week we've added some new Lego Architecture rewards to entice architects, designers or the design enthusiast looking to indulge their inner child!

This Lego Architecture model is in it's original sealed box and has never been assembled.

LEGO PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Few one-room homes are as strikingly modern and instantly recognizable as the Farnsworth House™, designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe.

This single-story steel structure with floor-to-ceiling glass walls was meant to open a minimalist interior to nature in an extreme way. Construction took place from 1945–1951 on a 60-acre estate beside the Fox River in Plano, Illinois, where it still stands today.

The assembled Farnsworth House model is over 11.9” (30.4cm) wide on a base with printed name label and includes a booklet with facts about the building, its construction and history.

• Architectural replica of the real-world Farnsworth House™
• Booklet included with details on design and history. (English language only)
• Measures 2.6" (6.6cm) tall, 11.9" (30.4cm) wide and 6.7" (17.6cm) deep

Click here to visit the Keep Architecture Open 2018 donation page. Select the $300 Lego Architecture 21009 Farnsworth House reward by clicking on the box and then selecting the link to visit the payment page.

This Lego Architecture model is in it's original sealed box and has never been assembled.

LEGO PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

Introducing the world-renowned Sydney Opera House™. This masterpiece of expressionist architecture is the vision of young Danish architect, Jørn Utzon, whose unique interlocking vaulted ‘shell’ design beat 933 competitors from 28 countries to win an international design competition held by the New South Wales government in 1959. Combined with the beautiful setting of Sydney Harbour, the opera house has become a true symbol of late modern architecture and one of the most iconic buildings of the 20th century.

This LEGO® Architecture series interpretation of the Sydney Opera House was designed by US architect Adam Reed Tucker in collaboration with the LEGO design team.

• Interpretation of real-world architectural landmark Sydney Opera House™
• Booklet included with details on design and history (English language only. Other languages available for download)
• Collect the entire landmark series
• LEGO® Architecture inspires future architects, engineers and designers as well as architecture fans around the world using the LEGO brick as a medium for reproducing esteemed structures
• Measures 2.8” (7 cm) tall, 6.3” (16 cm) wide and 4.4” (11.2 cm) deep

Click here to visit the Keep Architecture Open 2018 donation page. Select the $250 Lego Architecture 21012 Sydney Opera House reward by clicking on the box and then selecting the link to visit the payment page.

The Australian Architecture Association would like to extend their condolences to the family and friends of Dick Taylor who passed away this year. Dick was a founding partner of the engineering firm Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW), who have been long time supporters of the AAA.

DICK TAYLOR AM BE
1921 – 2018 

Edward Richard (Dick) Taylor was of the most admired and respected structural engineers of his generation. Working at a time of great change when advances in building design, materials, equipment and technology were altering the face of our cities, Dick Taylor and the firm he established in Sydney - Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW) - were at the forefront of developments from the late 1950s.

Dick was born in Hobart on 21 January 1921, the younger son of Harold and Dorothy Taylor. Dick attended the Hobart Technical College. He began an engineering degree at the University Tasmania in 1938 where he showed early promise with a Distinction in Engineering Drawing and Design. However, like so many of his peers, he left his course unfinished to join the 2nd Australian Infantry Forces in September 1941. He served with the army in Papua New Guinea, which he recalled as terribly gruelling and dangerous. On returning to Hobart after the end of the war, he resumed his university studies and graduated as a Bachelor of Engineering at the end of 1950.

On June 4 1948 married Jean Monckton, youngest daughter of Edward and Dorothy Monckton. This was an enduring partnership filled with romance and adventure which lasted 70 years. Jean provided the support for Dick in their welcoming family home at Clifton Gardens which enabled him to concentrate on his career. There were four children. 

After graduating, Dick worked briefly in Port Kembla before sailing to England in 1952. On arrival in London, Dick worked for a time with Costains on the new pre-stressed concrete. Later he joined Norman and Dawbarn in West London where he worked on the BBC TV studios, only demolished on 2003.

After a couple of years, Dick enquired about opportunities in the building industry in New South Wales and was immediately offered a position with the NSW Government. On returning to Sydney in early 1955 he was appointed lead structural engineer in the Government Architect’s Office. 

In 1958 Dick took the decision to establish himself in private practice. Architects embraced Dick as their structural engineer, and he worked – often through the night at home - on the large block of units at Collaroy Beach which have subsequently survived many storms over the years. Later he set up in North Sydney. There, Jock Thomson and Alan Whitting joined him and the Taylor Thomson Whitting practice was formed, known ever since as TTW.

In 1959 Dick was glad to have David Norman and Leo Addicoat share his office space as they were setting-up practice as Mechanical Electrical Engineers. This was the start of a close relationship between the two firms. Together they developed the building at 48 Chandos Street, St Leonards which remains the headquarters of TTW.

All his life Dick had a great aesthetic sense and believed that the relationship between engineer and architect was imperative to achieving the best outcomes for a building. From the beginning of his career he worked successfully with leading Sydney architects then working at the NSW Public Works Department – Ken Woolley, Peter Hall and Michael Dysart. Projects included the now-demolished State Office Block (on completion in 1967, the tallest tower building in Sydney) and many schools and public buildings. Dick was an active member of the Association of Consulting Structural Engineers.

When Peter Hall who took over from Jörn Utzon as supervising architect for the Sydney Opera House, he introduced Dick to Ove Arup, the lead engineer, simply saying ‘You are meeting one of this country’s most brilliant engineers’.

Dick’s engineering legacy is a thriving practice at TTW now six decades old thanks to the firm's policy of bringing in young engineers as directors at a price they could afford. Dick always expected the best and drove himself hard. As he said himself: ‘Our work is only as good as the minds behind it’.

In 1982 Dick was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to engineering, in recognition of the standards of innovation, integrity and professionalism which were the hallmarks of his career. 

Outside engineering, his passion was sailing which had been a family activity since childhood. He showed his mettle as a competitive yachtsman early on, winning many races on the River Derwent in Hobart with his brother in their Cadet Dinghy, and later the ‘D’ Class yacht Pixie. He was a crew member on Winston Churchill in the 1946 Sydney-Hobart race when Churchill was dismasted off Tasmania and Dick had to row ten miles to shore for help. Until he was well into his 80s, Dick found the greatest joy in sailing alone outside the Heads and there were many memorable voyages with family and friends, both in New South Wales and Greek waters. Dick was for a time the official measurer at the CYC. He also kept up windsurfing into his 70s. 

Dick was also an exceptional yacht designer. His most famous design is Ice Bird, a 9.7 metre hard-chine steel-hulled vessel which was sailed by Dr David Lewis on the first single-handed voyage to and around Antarctica between 1972 and 74. Ice Bird is now in the Powerhouse Museum collection. 

All who knew Dick described him as a gentleman with impeccable manners and a willingness to listen and respond with kind words. No account of his life would be complete without mentioning his great love of classical music and the enviable sound system he built in his home. Even in declining health, he never stopped seeking knowledge and appreciating the beauty of both the natural environment and human creations. 

David Norman, founder of the engineering consultancy Norman Disney Young, wrote the following after Dick’s death: “Dick was essentially a very humble man who never within my hearing boasted about his ability and achievement. Yet he was at the time one of Australia’s most brilliant structural engineers. There is little doubt that TTW was considered to be a leader in the industry and renowned for the innovation and quality of their designs. Dick was always happy to mentor the young'.

Dick died on 20 March 2018. He is survived by Jean; children Cathy, James, Matthew and Richard; eight grandchildren and a step-granddaughter, and five great-grandchildren.

• Introduction: Vanessa Couzens
• Obituary: Supplied by TTW (Taylor Thomson Whitting)
• Image: Dick Taylor (kindly supplied by his family)

Last week the Australian Architecture Association announced the launch of our annual 'Keep Architecture Open' fund raising campaign. 

We are looking to raise $15,000, which will be used to help us continue to deliver and develop our unique program of architectural walks, tours and events.

As a not-for-profit organisation we rely on your continuing support to help us provide unique opportunities to learn about architecture and the built environment and keep opening the doors on contemporary design.

We aren't just asking you to give away your money! Instead the AAA wants to reward you for your generous donation to our annual appeal. Each week of the campaign we will be adding new treats to tempt you!

This week we are adding the below rewards:

You won't want to miss out on this weeks fabulous reward, a luxury getaway in country Victoria along with tickets for AAA walking tours.

Hepburn at Hepburn is an adult's only retreat that sets the precedent in five star accommodation with modern technology, distinctive architecture and sophisticated design that is captured in the 14 opulent villas.

North west of Melbourne the historic town of Hepburn Springs is located in the middle of one of Australia's largest concentrations of mineral springs. Indulge yourself by tasting the health-giving waters, enjoy one the luxury spas or delight your taste buds at one of the decadent food and wine establishments.

Check out Hepburn at Hepburn by visiting http://www.hepburnathepburn.com.au/. 

Please note booking will be subject to availability.

Click here to visit the Keep Architecture Open 2018 donation page. Select the $790 Getaway + Walks reward by clicking on the box and then selecting the link to visit the payment page. 

The ultimate gift for budding architects or the design enthusiast looking to indulge their inner child! This Lego Architecture model is in it's original sealed box and has never been assembled.

LEGO PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

2009 marks the 50th anniversary of one of New York City’s best-known museums, the Solomon R. Guggenheim®. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, the museum opened just six months after he passed away.

This intricately built LEGO® model, co-developed and designed by architect Adam Reed Tucker, celebrates Frank Lloyd Wright’s innovative vision and organic architectural style. 

The assembled Solomon R. Guggenheim museum model stands 4" (102 mm) tall on a gray and black base with 

printed name label and includes a booklet with facts about the building, its construction and its history.

Perfect for any New Yorker, world tourist or architecture fan!

• Replica of real-world architectural landmark Solomon R. Guggenheim museum!
• Booklet included with details on design and history (English language only)
• Measures 4" (10.2cm) tall, 5.6" (14.3cm) wide and 3.1" (8cm) deep

Click here to visit the Keep Architecture Open 2018 donation page. Select the $300 Lego Architecture 21004 Guggenheim Museum reward by clicking on the box and then selecting the link to visit the payment page.

Support the AAA's 'Keep Architecture Open' fundraising campaign and reward yourself with two vintage books on one of America's greatest architects Frank Lloyd Wright. Immerse yourself in the projects completed by this iconic designer.

Click here to read an Amazon description of 'The Life and Works of Frank Lloyd Wright' by Maria Constantino.
Click here to read an Amazon description of 'Frank Lloyd Wright: A Visual Encyclopedia' by Iain Thomson.

 

Click here to visit the Keep Architecture Open 2018 donation page. Select the $300 Books Frank Lloyd Wright reward by clicking on the box and then selecting the link to visit the payment page.

Support the Australian Architecture Association and own an original artwork by Australian artist Craig Couzens.

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

‘Alice Meets the Caterpillar’ is a lino print that forms part of artist, Craig Couzens’ Alice in Wonderland Series (12 prints). The classic children’s tale ‘Alice in Wonderland’ still resinates with young and old. The twelve prints in the series describe several of the major points of interest in the tale. The Caterpillar helps Alice to either shrink or grow by deciding which piece of the mushroom to eat.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Craig Couzens is an emerging print artist based in the regional NSW city Wagga Wagga.

Passionate about elevating the profile of fine art printing, his work is produced using archival inks and paper. 

Craig’s work has been exhibited in a number of public group shows, as well as in successful solo exhibitions in 2017 and 2018. His work is included in numerous private collections in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.

ARTWORK DETAILS

Artwork Name: ‘Alice Meets the Caterpillar’ A/P Edn of 6 (Signed by the artist)
Art Type: Linotile
Printed on Fabriano paper (230gsm)
Print Size: H 15cm x W 15cm

Framed Size: H 32.5cm x W 32cm
Archival (black) ink
Artist: Craig Couzens
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Notes for abbreviations:
A/P = Artist proof

Click here to visit the Keep Architecture Open 2018 donation page. Select the $150 Lino Print ‘Alice Meets the Caterpillar’ reward by clicking on the box and then selecting the link to visit the payment page.

Now you can wear your love of architecture and design and donate to Keep Architecture Open 2018

The exclusive AAA t-shirt has been printed by the Australian firm Pistol Clothing with a graphic designed by AAA volunteer and designer Vanessa Couzens. Called ‘Ode to Utzon’ the structuralist image was inspired by Danish architect Jorn Utzon’s iconic Sydney Opera House.

T-SHIRT DETAILS

Men's premium fitted fashion tee, double stitched in cool blue 150gm100% Combed Cotton. Pre-shrunk.
Women's premium fitted fashion tee, double stitched in cool blue 150gm 100% Combed Cotton. Pre-shrunk.

Sizes available:

ITEM SIZE 
MEASUREMENT
(Width – Arm to Arm)

Womens T-Shirt

Size 10 45.5cm (only 2 available)
Size 12 48 cm (only 2 available)
Size 14 51 cm (only 2 available)

Mens T-Shirt
Small 46cm (only 3 available)
Medium 50cm (only 3 available)

Click here to visit the Keep Architecture Open 2018 donation page. Select the $60 AAA T-Shirt reward by clicking on the box and then selecting the link to visit the payment page.

Don't want to claim a reward? Just want to make a donation? Please follow the link below and donate as little as $10 to our campaign.

 

DONATE NOW

Don't forget to share this campaign with your friends/colleagues to help spread the word to donate.

This month 'At Home With The Architect' invites you to meet architect Jason Blake, of Jason Blake Architecture and explore his renovation and additions to a Victorian terrace residence in Newtown. Taking place on Sunday 23 September you'll discover that good things do come in small packages!

Sitting on a site under 130 square metres in size, the challenge was to design a home which incorporated contemporary interiors, natural daylighting and spaces that 'feel' generous yet are efficient.

The design of the second level addition of a bedroom and ensuite along with rear living and kitchen spaces, intentionally utilises different construction to visually differentiate between what is old and what is new. The historical character of the residence from the street is not compromised.

Jason described the project as 'an eight year labour of love' and the home reflects a strong influence of Japanese architecture and craftsmanship. The residence incorporates clever 'borrowed' spaces and attention to detail, in particular in it's carpentry.

ABOUT JASON BLAKE ARCHITECTURE

Jason Blake Architecture is a small studio practice based in the inner west suburb Marrickville and was established by Jason Blake in 2000.

The firm undertakes all types of residential building, including detached houses, terraces, semi-detached houses, and apartments. Their work has been featured in publications and TV programs and has also been the recipient of architectural and industry awards.

Jason is also a licenced builder and in 2011 established JBA Construct which allows the practice to provide a full service from design right through to construction delivery.

TOUR DETAILS

Location: Newtown, NSW
Please note that the address and meeting point will only be forwarded to ticket holders in the days immediately before the tour.
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 23 September 2018
Tickets: $35 (Early Bird) / $45 (Public) / $30 (AAA Members)

Don't miss your opportunity to experience this private residence, numbers are limited.

Book your place on the tour, click here.

• Article: Vanessa Couzens
• Images: Newtown residence designed by Jason Blake Architecture (Photographer: Vanessa Couzens)

 

The Australian Architecture Association would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

We have had another eventful year and remain committed to increasing the public’s awareness and appreciation of architecture.  In 2018 we added 2 new walks to our tour programme, one in Ultimo and one in Chippendale. Look out for these tours in 2019. 

The AAA would like to thank our financial supporters, Natspec and Universal Publications, as well as the architects, designers and clients who have kindly opened their homes this year.  To everyone who donated to our annual fundraising campaign, your support ensures that we can continue to help people understand the value of architecture and how it shapes our cities.

A very big thank you to our AAA volunteers, who are the backbone of the Australian Architecture Association and committed to sharing architecture with the general public.

Best wishes and look forward to seeing you on one of our tours in 2019.