Despite a resurgence in popularity in recent years, Australia’s mid-century homes face the wrecking ball all too often. It seems that almost every week, we hear of a heritage building facing demolition, only to be replaced with high-density dwellings by developers who have little sensitivity to history and preservation.

This fate very nearly befell the Lind House in Caulfied by Anatol Kagan, which, after falling into the hands of developers, was set to be replaced by eight apartments and a basement carpark last year. In a massive WIN for City of Glen Eira constituents and frankly Victoria as a whole, this iconic Modernist house has finally been added to the Victorian Heritage Register after being snubbed for a listing last year. This significant house was saved from imminent demolition by the Glen Eira council in August last year, following an outcry from the community and modernist architecture enthusiasts, including our friends and contributors, Modernist Australia.

The house was designed by prolific Russian-born Australian Anatol Kagan in 1956, a Jewish architect who left Berlin for Melbourne during a time of political and social turmoil ahead of WWII in 1939. In 1956 Kagan designed the Lind house, which is widely acknowledged as an early example of a transitional shift to Modernist architecture in 20th century Melbourne.

Following the public uproar, developers abandoned the Lind House, which was recently privately purchased through Rodney Morley as a residential dwelling from a local family. SUCH good news. We’re stalking the new owners for a house tour  – stay tuned!