Modern architecture had two parallel directions in the immediate post-war years: the functional, represented by the sleek, cubiform buildings of the international style; and the organic, represented by houses typically set in bushland, constructed from natural materials and demonstrating an affinity with nature. The latter ‘romantic’ school was greatly influenced by the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

The late twentieth century organic style is generally domestic, often found in unaltered bushland settings, exhibiting free massing, textured brickwork and roof planes with a horizontal emphasis. In Australia, architects such as Peter Muller, Bruce Rickard and Alastair Knox were the main practitioners through the 1950s and 1960s. Their houses demonstrated a connection with nature and were influenced and inspired by Wright.

In Canberra, the highly individual housing and building designs of Enrico Taglietti are important, from the mid 1960s onwards. Since the 1970s, a further development in the organic style has been the concern with providing energy efficient solutions to Australia’s climate and environment. The most important examples are houses by Laurie Virr and Paul Hanley. Two houses by Ric Butt at 3 and 5 Attwood Close, Gordon are more recent examples.

Features

• Usually domestic architecture
• Free massing, functions expressed naturally
• Horizontal roof plane
• Energy efficient designs
• Natural bushland setting, taking advantage of site terrain
• Geometry that complements the site or shapes found in nature
• Expressed timber structure
• Textured brickwork with a horizontal emphasis
• Horizontally boarded fascia and balustrade
• Highlight windows

On this site

• McKeown houses, 109 Irvine Street, Watson. Enrico Taglietti, 1965.
• 19 Downes Place, Hughes. Enrico Taglietti, 1965.
• 7 Juad Place, Aranda. Enrico Taglietti, 1970.
• 17 Meredith Circuit, Kambah. Laurie Virr, 1975.
• 61 Sullivan Crescent, Wanniassa. Enrico Taglietti, 1980.
• 10 Decker Place, Fadden. S Blue/R Bourne, 1996.
• 3 and 5 Attwood Close, Gordon. Ric Butt, 1997.
• 37 and 39 Finniss Crescent, Narrabundah. Ric Butt, 1995 and 1999.

Other notable Australian examples

• Audette House, Castlecrag, NSW. Peter Muller, 1955.
• House, Old Northern Road, Castle Hill, NSW. Bruce Rickard, 1964.
• Dickson Library, Dickson, ACT. Enrico Taglietti, 1964.
• David Moore House, Lobster Bay, NSW. Ian McKay, 1973.
• Batty House, Warrandyte North, VIC. Alastair Knox, 1974.
• Giralang Primary School, ACT. Enrico Taglietti, 1975.
• Australian War Memorial Store, ACT. Enrico Taglietti, 1978.
• The Wave House, Scotland Island, NSW. Morrice Shaw, 1979.