Modernist Australia

A Robin Boyd Bushland Block Up For Sale!

It’s not often that a home by Modernist master Robin Boyd crosses our paths, but leave it to Patricia Callan of Modernist Australia to be the first one in-the-know! Built in 1956, the ‘Uglow House’ in Montmorency is one of the architect’s most important designs at the beginning of his career, reflecting the principles he would become renowned for.

We’ll leave it to Trish to tell you more about this early example of Boyd brilliance!

Written
by
Patricia Callan

Photo – courtesy of Jellis Craig.

Photo – courtesy of Jellis Craig.

Photo – courtesy of Jellis Craig.

In this, the 100th year anniversary of Robin Boyd’s birth and within the festivities taking place all this year (check out the Gillison Open House this Sunday for the next day out) we are lucky enough to list one of the legend’s residential gems.

It’s been some time between Boyd drinks here at MA but we are ever gladdened to see with every new estate listing the prominence of the godfather of Australian Modern is being celebrated, and his ideas for design now a selling point. And this home in Monty is a cracker, a classic 50s (c.1956) example of Boyd’s work, with a typically groundbreaking design of open flowing spaces (in the years, we must remember, when most of Australia was still living in 19th century cottages with lean-to sculleries), a sterling use of limited materials on hand: exposed beams and panel ceilings, entire walls of glazing and of course unbeatable solar passive orientation (when will this ever be the norm huh?!).

Originally built with a modest two bedrooms and a den, it has been subject to some additions and changes over the years, but overall remains in much loved and well-preserved condition. As with other great Boyd homes, this building is not only a private residence on a beautiful bushland block but a revered spot of Melbourne and Australian design history and with any luck, it will be the charge of a new custodian who takes pride in celebrating that.

This home goes to auction on Saturday 12th October – view the listing here.

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