Page 29 - Demo

27There%u2019s something special about the Beachcomber, a petite house on stilts designed by Croatian-born architect Nino Sydney, which was launched onto the Australian market in 1961. This%u00a0house transports us back in time, reflecting an era when our homes became %u2018modern%u2019 and began to embody the Australian landscape and%u00a0lifestyle.The Beachcomber gained prominence at the%u00a0Carlingford Homes Fair, a housing exhibition presented by the developer Lendlease. It showcased a%u00a0ordable architect-designed project homes by notable architects such as%u00a0 Harry Seidler, Ken Woolley, Neville Gruzman and Don Gazzard. More than 200,000 people attended the%u00a0 fair, and Nino%u2019s design for an a%u00a0ordable house, priced at the cost of two cars, was one of the main%u00a0attractions.The house, elevated on metal stilts, was ideal for the sloping blocks of Sydney%u2019s suburbs. The demonstration home featured brightly coloured walls and was filled with modern furniture of the time. The layout was simple: underneath, there was parking for two cars, with a central stairwell that also housed the laundry. Upstairs was a%u00a0small open-plan living and dining area with a kitchen, three bedrooms and one bathroom. The%u00a0 design allowed for easy expansion, particularly downstairs, which was often enclosed to create a space for teenage shenanigans.The Beachcomber evolved over time, with slightly updated versions released throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. These copycat versions appeared across the country, becoming especially popular as holiday homes. Surfboards, canoes and kayaks hanging from the top of the carport became a familiar sight.Nino%u2019s other designs for Lendlease, such as the Pan Pacific, were also incredibly popular, and he took great pride in making architecture accessible to everyday Australians.Blending a relaxed Australian style with European modernism, the Beachcomber is an Australian classic and a timely reminder of a period when well-designed homes were within reach for many.YEAR 1960DESIGNER Nino SydneyDEVELOPER LendleaseSurfboards, canoes and kayaks hanging from the top of the carport became a familiar sight.