An Australian Mid Century Modern Family House

Some people are so lucky to have a house that tells a story, the story of their family: it is the case of today’s house.

The actual owner -Brian Seidler- lives with his new family in this mid century modern house in Australia designed by Harry Seidler -his father’s nephew- that was one of the most prominent Australian Modernists.

Since it was built, the house has been extended three times and always by Harry Seidler.
In 1958 Brian’s parents asked their nephew to add two bedrooms and a bathroom while in 2004, Brian and his wife Donna approached Harry asking for two bedrooms more for the arrive of their third child.

Following a conservative approach Seidler transformed the guest room in the bedroom for the new arrived. Despite what several other architects adviced them, Brian and Donna decided to trust Harry’s judgement and to not highlight the new additions on the facade, they adopted a more conservative approach and that’s why you can barely see any sign of renovation from the outside.
This was the last work of the architect as he died two years later.

To avoid overheating in the summer and heat dispersions in winter, the Seidlers asked for an insulation system; an indispensable add considering the lack of knowledge and technology to prevent such climatic issues back in the 50s. A very challenging  add was the air conditioning system as the house was not designed to include one. They succeed making it almost invisible.

The interior decor was changed several times across the years but always respecting the mid century modern style of the interiors as well as the original choices in terms of materials, fabrics and colors.
Probably the only evident change to the original project of the house is the swimming pool added to the garden to make happy the Seidlers’ children and not only.

As always I hope you enjoyed the story and tour of this mid century modern beauty and I advice you to have a look to all the other houses published so far! 

All the pics in this post come from my favorite magazine when it comes to interiors, design and architecture: Case Da Abitare.
It’s an Italian magazine but all the articles are translated in English as well.

I love this magazine and I got a lot of inspiration from it over the years and for these reasons I strongly recommend you to check at least one issue; I am sure you will become addicted as I am.

You can quickly get the digital copy here.