For as long as I can remember, I have always been a fan of modern houses, with the skillion roof designs, large windows and different materials. Only until I did an assessment on the history of architecture in Australia that I have warmed the idea of Late-Victorian, or Art Deco. Would I buy one of these houses? Better yet, would I design one of the traditional styling to live in? Short answer is, no. Would I design a late-Victorian home if a client requested? Of course I would, don't be dumb.
But here is something that I ponder, if I bought a block of land, 1,000m2 and local council approved of a unit development of three units, what would I design? This is what this blog is all about....
Features of this era of architecture was very ornamental, from the brickwork colouring around the window frames and doors, to the actual doors, the lattice on the verandas, tall parapets with moulded ornaments and the symmetrical appearance are some of the features that can be seen when walking up to the property.
Once inside you are usually met with ornaments, extravagant wall-paper and strong colour schemes. The character of the era is usually achieved by furniture and decoration in the interior.
So overall, the late-Victorian era is not a bad example of architecture, but what if we go a little in the future to art deco architecture? Would this be better suited for a unit development?
If late-Victorian is the start, and modern is the finish, art deco would be the middle. Having spent a term on actually designing a unit development in this style, I have come to love this style of architecture. Strong features of the era (which was around 1914-1940) was curves, a lot of buildings had curves which some were subtle and small, while others were grand. The main colour scheme of the exterior was a whiteish, creamish look, with rendered brick being the popular material. Parapet walls hide the roof, giving it a "box-y" appearance, while decoration on the exterior was big with wall sweeps, and moulds being popular. This architecture was a very modernist movement, which proud architects did not approve and often disregarded the design.
In my own opinion, art-deco architecture can re-invent a street scape or community with it's curves, boxes, material usage and the character it represented.
At the end of the spectrum, "modern" architecture has always fascinated me. With the box appearance, the roof designs with sometimes having parapets which I'm fast becoming a fan of, the use of 2 or more different materials, large glass and the landscape. For our third project we had to design a new home in a modern style, looking back on it, I could have done a much better job. So I thought I'd ask a couple friends to act as clients so I can design a couple houses, turns out they wanted a Victorian beach house, and a home which draws several style influences but not having that "modern" appearance. When I drive around Wodonga, especially going down Lawerence St, there are some amazing examples of this type of style, which showcase a three-storey home and several other two-storey places. The cost of building a house in this style can be expensive, and some people feel that this style will be outdated and won't have that 'timeless' appearance, to which I disagree.
Next blog we find out what style I choose to design the unit development. Stay tuned
(Sadly I am unable to upload photos at this time for some reason, but next blog there will be hopefully pictures)
From The One They Call Anthony, This Is The Life & Times
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