Art Deco, the swingingest style around

Ahhh, Art Deco, the hip cat with the sultry swing. Everyone's favourite era of art, music, culture, fancy dress for parties, Baz Lurhman films, and of course, architecture.

Except that hardly anyone knows their early Art Deco from their Streamline Moderne. What the hell is "waterfall design"? And, for that matter, why is a design movement that most people associate with the 1920s Jazz Age in fact most often exemplified in 1930s architecture? All these uncertainties are the bane of copywriters and real estate agents alike when trying to describe a property.

So, pop quiz. What period style does this building's architecture belong to?

To be a little bit scientific about it, lets look at the features of this otherwise fairly mundane looking building.
(As an aside, this building might look "full of charm and character", but it is worth mentioning that it is an apartment building and at the time, was no more special than that. Having said that, how much lovelier is vernacular architecture of then than today?)

First, look at that front fence and the angled 'turret tops' using bricks with triangular ends. Then look at the brickwork, and its geometric decorative features. Notice the parallel horizontal lines created by the long windows. Finally, if you can see it, the fanned out windows next to the entry door. All together, we can put this firmly in Art Deco's camp (this particular one lives in Mosman, NSW).

That was a tough one. How about this?

Ignoring the glorious automobile in front, I think it's easy to see this as what we all agree is "Art Deco". Long parallel horizontal lines, geometric forms in the decorative detail, a streamlined look. Exceptionally "modern" in an old fashioned way (I actually think this is good description of Art Deco).

Both of those above are classic 1930s Art Deco architecture. The second one, however, displays the characteristics of what is more accurately termed "Streamline Moderne" or even "Art Moderne", which is a subset of Art Deco that emerged in the mid 1930s in response to the advances of air travel, the promise of a new age, an obsession with futurism, and a generally more sleek design philosophy. Corners were rounded, art objects were given sweeping designs, everything suggested forward motion and and sense of aerodynamics. Things took on an almost nautical feel. Some will say that Streamline Moderne is its own era/style altogether, an opinion that has some grounding I think - it's a very distinctive architectural look. But it is still art deco, it's still jazz age, it still has "all that".

Even the furniture started to look like the buildings, or is it the other way around?

This streamlined style resulted in a particular architectural trend in houses, notably the "Waterfall Style" that actually tends to pop up in the 1940s, but is a direct descendant of Art Deco and the Streamline Moderne. You can see why in this fantastic example in Eaglemont, Melbourne (truly a stunning suburb with a plethora of architectural delights):

 

So, within Art Deco, we have two major styles - the decorative - with angles, geometric shapes, and above all, a lot of ornamentation. This decoration and ornamentation is what makes Art Deco quite different from the post war modernist styles that were very minimalistic. Art Deco has flourish and a sense of the artisan, with a heavy flavour of technology. And then there's the Streamline Moderne, a wonderful eruption of lines and sweeping curves and general nautical romance. 

Taken together, they place into buildings the very spirit of the between-wars era - a spirit of celebration, of spontaneity, of burgeoning wealth, of liberation through technology, of jazz music and a changing world. Sadly, it was to come to an end, as the imagination and souls of many had to take flight to the most horrible of wars. That would change architecture too, but that's a different story.

A Tapestry of Architectural Treats

Architects sometimes have blank canvases to work with, sometimes they have specific character and design restrictions to cater for, and at other times, they are given just one little piece of inspiration, and asked to thread a design tale throughout a house, to create a seamless integration of charm, function, and delicate pleasure.

In that manner, Fiona Dunin of FMD Architects was shown a couple of hand-crafted cross-stitch artworks belonging to the owner of this charming old Victorian era single-front terrace; and asked, from no more inspiration than that, to design a modern, bespoke extension whilst retaining the delightful street-front character of the terrace.

Thus, the Cross-stitch House was born.

Throughout my travels in real estate copywriting, I see grand mansions, tiny apartments, and everything in between, spanning the full gamut from falling-down to the pinnacles of design. Every now and then, a little jewel catches my eye, and the Cross-stich House is gem of rare quality.

From the street, you can only see an updated Victorian terrace with wrought-iron lacework, decorated firewalls either side, lovely tiled veranda, all the usual charm. Upon stepping inside, you find the familiar grand design of the Victorian era with its high ceilings, timber floorboards, and decorations that befitted an era when even modest homes reached up to the highest goals of sophistication.


Step further through the Cross-stitch House and things get interesting. A diversion into the master bedroom uncovers perhaps the most beautiful internal renovation of a small bedroom and bathroom I have ever seen, with an almost tropical pocket garden spilling light into both rooms and providing a lush view from the shower. What an amazing way to freshen up for the day!

Then, enter the living space. Cathedral ceilings, and engineered timber! Exposed beams that frame the outlook, and invite you further in. Architectural art that softens and blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, and the creation of an endless sense of space in what is, in fact, a modest geographic footprint.

Just as a cross-stich tapestry can deliver repeating, fractal pattern of shapes and forms that function from a distance as well as in close-up, this extension by Fiona Dunin repeats elements that pull you through the living space into the external lavish courtyard garden, framed by a petering out of the very same engineered elements you were greeted with from the hallway. It is a sublime effect, the epitome of design success. The warm but clean and crisp lines are simultaneously ultra-modern, but beckon you to sit back with a cup of tea and just drink it all in.

Elemental reflection and repetition is neither obvious, nor hidden. Timber is used throughout, including in the kitchen, balanced against a pale palette to give an almost Scandinavian feel in an otherwise very recognisable classic Victorian terrace home. The echoes continue with cabinetry that is shaped, well, like houses. The fractal houses within houses here further contribute to an endlessness, that in a masterstroke, provides depth and room to every room you are in.

The Cross-stitch House is not a large house, but it encapsulates grand ideas, and delivers a pocket wonderland that any discerning person would be proud to call “home”. Beautiful.

If you want to live in one of Melbourne's most beautiful gems, you can! It's on the market through agent Nelson Alexander, see it here.

TV studio goes residential

There's something about the "olden days" that is so glorious. Time went slower, you had to walk to school (for miles over broken glass I seem to recall), and television studios didn't just make great family entertainment, they also headquartered themselves in astonishingly grand buildings.

Like this one, formerly of that great Australian stalwart, Channel 9 (or GTV 9 as it was), and before that, Heinz (of tinned food fame) and originally built in 1909 as a factory for the Wertheim Piano Company. Which all contributes to a wonderful historic backdrop for a Federation era red brick building adorned with stunning brick piers, molded capping and other classic decorative detail.

So, now that factories (and studios) have moved to the outer, what better use of a building in a highly sought-after part of Melbourne's inner-city than apartments. And with all the space and ceiling height of a TV studio/can factory/piano factory on offer, it's worth doing something special.

Which is exactly what happened. This apartment is an awesome example of how loft-style (or what you might call "New York Style") living can be created out of the shell of a huge heritage building.

Delivering beautiful northerly and southerly aspects, it frames some of the best inner-city views on offer. And the cavernous ceiling height contributes to a grand sense of space and style. 

So much ceiling height, in fact, that an entire internal loft containing a full master suite was created to complement the other two bedrooms, and it is a thing of luxury in itself! Walk through robes, en-suite bathroom, more high ceilings!

But the real treat is in the finishing here - taking cues from the building's past, the design incorporates stage-style lighting in what is a design masterstroke - giving a theatrical touch to already stylish residence.

This apartment is really worth seeing - and it's on the market right now through agent Biggin & Scott. See the listing here.

Modern materials and design are overlooked

One of the things I am constantly doing as a real estate copywriter is highlighting construction details such as "double-brick" or "solid brick construction". It's like a mantra - I see bricks, I think "solid". And I use that as a selling point because I think for most people, there is something solid and long-lasting about brick construction. It really is a selling point to everyone except those people who are looking for the quaint charm of weatherboard (which stands the test of time just as well, if looked after properly, by the way). 

What about more modern materials, though? How about concrete? Why don't we use it more?

Perhaps it is because of an unfashionable reputation it was given as a result of the brutalist architecture movement, which was a large-scale symphony of bare concrete that, in my opinion, was actually very cool. Or maybe it's because we are used to seeing concrete panel construction only in industrial estates. Either way, there's a bias against concrete in more domestic settings.

This is a shame, because concrete is probably the strongest and most hard-wearing construction material humans have ever come up with, and it is so much more flexible for use - you can pre-cast it and just stick it up in the air, or with some clever formwork, cast it to whatever shape you desire. It's a beautiful thing and long the apple of the architect's eye.

So here's what you can do with those "industrial concrete panels". You can create a simple but beautiful, and functional, townhouse in one of Melbourne's trendiest locales. And do you like ceiling height? Well, you're not restricted with panels, just put the damned floors wherever you like, at whatever height, no extra costs of bricks or labour. The net result is a freedom of layout and design, and an abundance of space. 

Such as this home in Abbotsford:

An economy and elegance of design allows for beautiful indoor-outdoor spaces that flow effortlessly from feast in the kitchen to romantic novel by the courtyard.

And if that's not exciting enough, marvel in the city/urban skyline from the ultimate rooftop party palace!

It's a wonderful example of how the use of modern materials (not that concrete is particularly modern) to create a clean, crisp and functional design that oozes beauty, and still, maintains a legitimate claim to the term "solid".

Thanks to my friends at Nelson Alexander, this particular example is currently on the market too. For any trendy families looking for the ultimate party house, or even a place to raise the kids (to be cool kids, that is). It has three big bedrooms, two bathrooms and multiple living zones. Clever. See it here. 

Photographs by Axiom Photography and Design

Elegance behind quirky Californian Bungalow style

Those shingles under the eaves and broad columns are clearly speaking to the Californian Bungalow style, but there's more to this house, and this is a very modest facade to a grand family home in the leafy and picturesque Melbourne suburb of Ivanhoe.

The street is quiet, the position is elevated, and the views go for miles. Such is the appeal of these inner-Yarra Valley suburbs, less than a half hour's commute from the city, but with a tranquil feel. It reminds you of the Hollywood Hills out here - great views, leafy streets, the hustle and bustle just minutes by car, but a world away.

This wonderfully renovated home displays a few of the characteristics of house design that I've come to love in my travels through hundreds of properties as a real estate copywriter. And they're not all about size, or grandeur, or even striking views. Some are quite mundane, yet important on a daily living basis, and that, after all, is what we have to do in our homes - live in them.

Look at the kitchen here:

That intriguing island design at the room's centre column is actually very clever. Why? Well think about how you entertain and cook in a kitchen - you're chopping veggies, or pouring glasses of your favourite chardonnay, and while you're doing that, you're probably watching the TV, or talking to a friend about what a day you had. Both of these are outside the kitchen - in the living room. So this kitchen allows you to do your culinary thing and attend whatever else is going on. It's a really simple thing, and very common, but easily overlooked. (By the way - you see how the stove is in the opposite position - this works too - when cooking on the stove, you really need to concentrate a bit more... so distractions are best avoided!)

Here's a nice picture of the back yard, from the pool. The sense of space is highlighted here by having the pool extend from the house into the back corner of the yard, giving both length to the pool, and depth to the vision. It's nice. It looks great (it's why I chose this photo).

Here's what I really want in my home - a study with bookshelves and a nice garden view. Plus a couch to kick back on and watch a movie when I should be working. Why don't more houses have these?

Formal lounges and dining rooms are a bit old-hat these days, with a preference for open-plan living, however I think there is real value in the design. Not for nothing was it considered proper to have a 'drawing room' where one could retire with friends after dinner for a glass of whisky (or sherry) and discuss the world. It makes sense to draw the day to the close with friends, and to do it in style. Don't ever put a TV in these rooms, it would spoil it. So, big points for old-fashioned home design here, long may it last.

That's a few thoughts on this great home. There's more detail of course (I spent a while looking through this one), and if you want to buy it, it's going to auction on the 4th of March. Agent: Nelson Alexander. More details here.