In May 1954 the 'house of the future' was unveiled at the Architectural and Building Exhibition in the Sydney Town Hall.
Architect Harry Siedler planned the streamlined house as a solution to post-war the housing crisis in Australia. As typified the mid-century modern trend in the US (where Siedler had studied), he wanted to replace 'wasteful' handicraft methods with a streamlined steel frame assembled from machine made parts.
A one bedroom home was built for display purposes, but Seidler's design was flexible enough to allow for different sixes and configurations.
In each design though is a north facing wall made entirely out of plate glass, specially designed to let in the light but repel the heat - partly fixed and partly in sliding frames. Long metal sunshades and an insulated roof space would also protect the home from to much heat and glare.
Other innovative features included a kitchen unit incorporating a fridge, sink, stove and garbage disposal unit, and pre-fabricated bathroom unit with a shower, basin, toilet, flooring and walls.
For more posts on Harry Siedler, see here.
 |
| Testing the assembly of the 'future house' at the factory in NSW |
A one bedroom home was built for display purposes, but Seidler's design was flexible enough to allow for different sixes and configurations.
In each design though is a north facing wall made entirely out of plate glass, specially designed to let in the light but repel the heat - partly fixed and partly in sliding frames. Long metal sunshades and an insulated roof space would also protect the home from to much heat and glare.
Other innovative features included a kitchen unit incorporating a fridge, sink, stove and garbage disposal unit, and pre-fabricated bathroom unit with a shower, basin, toilet, flooring and walls.
Harry Siedler also designed the interiors and furniture for the 'house of the future.'
For more posts on Harry Siedler, see here.
Love this! Can't wait for Fifties Fair Day ;)
ReplyDeleteOh yes, I would so love to go one day....
Delete