Australian Architecture Association

This month we are opening another house by Sam Crawford Architects. Come and see this family-friendly renovation in Kensington! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aaa-self-drive-tour-at-home-nsw-tickets-998823727657?aff=oddtdtcreator

This month we are opening Cascade Terrace in Paddington by Sam Crawford Architects. Book now before it is full! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aaa-self-drive-tour-at-home-nsw-tickets-952085813297

Our Annual Appeal is on! Donate to help us spread the word about good architecture and pick your reward! https://www.architecture.org.au/donations

Don't miss the chance to visit Pocket Passiv residence designed by Anderson Architecture this Sunday! Book here now! https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/aaa-self-drive-tour-at-home-nsw-tickets-892132340847

Winter series of architecture talks on Modern Cities

Please join us for an evening with Tone Wheeler, architect and President of the Australian Architecture Association who will be giving a talk on Palm Springs, a modern city in the Sonoran Desert of southern California.

Palm Springs is noted for having the largest concentration and finest examples of mid-century modern architecture in the world.

Don’t miss out on hearing Tone’s insight into this fascinating city and find out why Palm Springs is such an important modern city.

The talk is hosted by Havwoods International at their Sydney showroom. and the AAA have a shared interest and passion in the education and promotion of Australian architecture and sustainability.

Booking details & tickets via link in bio:
Early bird tickets end Monday 19th May - $35 + booking fee
General tickets after 19th May - $40 + booking fee

Date:
Thursday, May 25th, 6 - 8pm AEST

Location:
Havwoods International @ 28 Margaret St, Sydney, NSW, 2000

Refreshments will be served from 6pm, presentation commences at 6.30pm.

AAA Volunteer Information Evening

Do you have a passion for architecture? love history? Enjoy meeting people? and have a tour guide inside you bursting to get out and lead?? … (and if not, no worries, we will teach you!)

We would love to meet you. If you have ever wondered about what we do and how to become involved, now is the time.

The Australian Architecture Association (AAA) is unique organisation. Our walking tours are led by a diverse and eclectic group of tour leaders – architects, designers, teachers, grandparents, parents, students.
We are all held together by our interest and love of architecture.

By volunteering at the AAA, you will share your passion, expand your personal horizons, and connect to an interesting community (admiration of buildings is our favourite past time).
Some say that volunteering helps us live longer and we are certainly happier conducting suburban tours and spreading the word of architecture and design.

Come along to the information night, hear about what is involved in being a volunteer tour leader and understand why our volunteers are the heart of the AAA’s workforce.
You, as an individual, will be contributing to the education of architecture and become skilled in fostering connection with the community.
The city and surrounding suburbs are alive with stories, amazing buildings and experiences waiting for you to get involved.

Booking info: see link in bio

Location:
Environa Studio
1/224 Riley Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010

Date and time:
Wednesday 17th May, 6.00pm - 7:30pm AEST
Please arrive at the venue 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of 6pm.

2022 Annual Fundraising campaign

For the first time, after a challenging couple of years, we have been able to recently recommence our popular tours and walks.

It has been heart-warming to hear just how much people love the tours and walks.

We are a passionate about creating opportunities to engage with architecture and as a not-for-profit, we rely on donations to create new programs.

Whatever way you may choose to give, your financial contribution to the Australian Architecture Association (AAA) helps us to develop new walks and train volunteer tour guides who then share their knowledge and inspire the p***c to discover why design matters.

BUT we always like to give back, so we have put together some wonderful rewards in the ‘Keep Architecture Open’ campaign. See link in bio and keep swiping for a few key items.

All donations will help “Keep Architecture Open” to the public, so please support AAA by donating an amount that is meaningful to you or purchasing a reward (which make great Christmas gifts!).

Please share this campaign with your friends to help spread the word.

What do other people think about the AAA? A kind word from architect Vivianne Marston, Director of Marston Architects -

“I joined the AAA soon after its inception and have guided the City Walks for over 10 years. Each and every walk is a unique experience as the participants come from near and far but all share a common interest, wanting to learn and understand more about contemporary architecture.

My own love for architecture stimulates lively discussion and ultimately leads to a greater understanding of the value of good contemporary architecture in our cities. The AAA is a not-for-profit organisation with many volunteers, including myself, that enjoy sharing our knowledge with as many members of the public as we can. I commend the dedication of the committee and hope that we can continue these worthwhile tours for years to come”.

Last tour for 2022!

S House by Marston Architects

The last for 2022 takes place this Sunday on the 4th December. Enjoy exploring a home in Vaucluse designed by Marston Architects.

'S' House is a renovation designed by Marston Architects, of an existing home built by the client over 20 years ago.

The main structure, being the external walls and roof were retained and the internal spaces reversed to allow living areas on the top floor to enjoy spectacular harbour views and better connect with the rear garden. The original street facade was modified to simplify the myriad of shapes and sizes.

The rear garden was rationalised and landscaped by

ABOUT MARSTON ARCHITECTS
is a small Manly based studio set up by Vivianne Marston in 1985.

The practices portfolio of work has been widely published and includes single homes, alterations and additions, multi-unit residential and commercial buildings.

The work of Marston Architects is very focused on responding to specific sites as well as the needs of the clients and the building's context to its' surroundings.

TOUR DETAILS
Location: Vaucluse, NSW
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 4 December 2022
Tickets: $45 (Public) / $35 (AAA Members) / AAA Company Members Free
Please Note:
Due to Covid-19, AAA requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated to attend. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell.

In case you missed it... we have 2 tours in the month of November! On the 27 November, discover a new home in Rodd Point, designed by (MSDS).

Quarry House is a new house in Rodd Point built on the traditional land of the Wangal People, near an old quarry, overlooking the Bay Run and city views beyond. The house has been designed for a couple with a busy family life involving many children and grandchildren. This house has been designed to maximise park and water views, natural light and breezes, and low maintenance. The interiors are inspired by the colour palette of sandstone quarries and local natural elements.

ABOUT MARK SZCZERBICKI DESIGN STUDIO
Mark Szczerbicki Design Studio (MSDS) is boutique architectural practice based in Five Dock NSW. Formed in 2013, the practices offers a full range of architecture, interior and landscape design services across projects, including new houses, residential alterations and additions, multi-unit housing, as well as small commercial and public buildings.

MSDS designs respond to every new set of requirements in a practical but custom-designed way, while achieving a high level of beauty, sustainability, long-lasting quality, and uplifting atmosphere for each project.

In addition to architectural practice, Mark Szczerbicki is actively involved in design research and education. He is a recipient of the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship, and a Masters Studio tutor at UNSW in the Social Agency stream.

TOUR DETAILS
Location: Rodd Point, NSW
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 27 November 2022
Tickets: $45 (Public) / $35 (AAA Members) / AAA Volunteers AAA & Company Members Free

Please Note: Due to Covid-19, AAA requires all attendees to be fully vaccinated to attend. Please do not attend if you are feeling unwell.
Event is not wheelchair accessible, children under 12 not permitted and no pets allowed.
The residence will be opened for one hour.

At Home with 2 sustainably designed residential projects.

Please join us this Sunday when we visit the South Coast of NSW and the work of Shelter Building Design.

The first, is a H**pcrete designed house in Culburra Beach. Commenced in 2012, it won the 2015 Building Designers Association's National Award for a House under 200m2. Kirstie Wulf, Principal of Shelter said, "this is one of the first few H**pcrete houses built in Australia. It is one of only 4 buildings from Australia featured in Steve Allin’s 2022 book - H**p Buildings 50 International Case Studies". The pavilion style design allows northern light into all rooms and provides good cross ventilation. The house can maintain comfortable temperatures year round with no active heating/cooling. H**pcrete walls eliminate condensation issues and assisting with temperature regulation.

The second, is a Mudbrick house in Tomerong which received a Sustainable Design Award at the recent 2022 Building Designers Association Sydney Region Awards. The owners are committed environmentalists and wanted a house that used natural materials and minimised embodied energy in the construction materials as well as energy in use. The interior has been creatively finished using natural paints and renders. The central light well creates a double height space flooding the living areas with light.

ABOUT SHELTER BUILDING DESIGN

Shelter Building Design was established by Kirstie Wulf in 2015 and based in Hazelbrook NSW. Working in collaboration with Kirsten Dudley, the award winning building design team specialises in creating sustainable, natural, healthy buildings. Applying passive solar design principles in the heating and cooling of buildings, they are passionate about using natural materials like H**pcrete, light earth, strawbale, mudbrick and rammed earth.

Don’t miss out on seeing and hearing about these sustainable houses with Kirstie!

TOUR DETAILS
Date: Sunday 16th October 2022
Time: 10.30am - 1.30pm
Location: Culburra Beach and Tomerong, NSW. Approx 2.5hrs travel south from Sydney CBD
Tickets via link in bio: $57.12 (Early Bird - ends tonight) / $62.64 (public) / prices include booking fee

This Month Visits Cremorne Point

Time is running out to book tickets for Home 🔑] this Sunday 18 September. The AAA invites you to explore a residence in Cremorne Point designed by .

Bijl Architecture were called in to remodel a house with limited indoor-outdoor connection, despite the potential of its dramatic site falling away to the harbour. It’s a window into the adaptive reuse of sandstone – once undervalued throughout the home, now reconstructed as three dramatic new feature stonewalls.

A series of partial renovations had left this home with little joie de vivre. Their solution creates a compelling sequence through the house, cleverly navigating the level changes while bringing cohesion to interior spaces and reaching out to the verdant landscape. A new lower-level living area opens to a generous deck with foliage framing harbour views – thanks to Melissa Wilson Landscape Architects.

ABOUT BIJL ARCHITECTURE

Bijl Architecture was established in 2012 by architect (and Associate Professor) Melonie Bayl-Smith and is the recipient of numerous architecture and construction industry awards. The practice has worked on a variety of projects including work across residential, interiors, commercial and public sectors, with a focus on a collaborative approach to each project working closely with clients, consultants, and builders. The practice’s design philosophy identifies that inherent flexibility and intentional longevity are key to creating sustainable architecture, from the viewpoints of aesthetics, functionality, economy, and the total environment.

TOUR DETAILS

Location: Cremorne Point, NSW
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 18 September 2022
Tickets via link in bio: $40 (Early Bird) / $45 (Public) / $35 (AAA Members)

Don't miss your opportunity to experience this private residence, numbers are limited. Book your place on the tour.

Please note:
- Concession ticket holders should present their ID on the tour day.
- Tours attendees will be required to show proof of full vaccination for COVID-19

ROAD TRIP // An exciting weekend ahead for architecture lovers.

Join us for the first AAA Residential Coach Tour 2022 taking place on Saturday 3 September. We will be exploring four residences in Newcastle and the Hunter region designed by

This tour promises a fascinating insight into the latest contemporary home design. You will hear about the design process from the architects and see firsthand the value of good design .
Enjoy the road trip up the coast from the comfort of a luxury coach.
We’ll provide a delicious sit-down lunch at a lovely restaurant to break the day, and a chance to relax with the tour group and talk to the architects.

ABOUT BOURNE + BLUE ARCHITECTURE

is a small Newcastle based practice established by Rachael Bourne and Shane Blue in 1996.

Rachael and Shane graduated from Sydney University in the early 1990s. Before establishing their own design studio, they worked in Sydney, Canberra and London before deciding to settle and set up practice in Newcastle.

Since 1996, 257 projects have been built, ranging from residential alterations and additions, new houses, child care centres, and various school and university buildings. Completed work ranges in location, from Canberra to Port Macquarie, including Gerroa, Sydney, Newcastle, Nelson Bay, Hunter Valley and Pacific Palms.

Bourne + Blue Architecture's commitment to sustainability is reflected by the design of their office. It is 100% solar powered with a rooftop 12kW photovoltaic array. Excess power is generated daily and is fed into their electric car and excess is sold back to the grid. 6000L of water storage tanks collect rainwater for toilet flushing and garden use, thus assisting the practice to minimise its impact upon the environment.

TOUR DETAILS

Date: Saturday 3 September 2022
Time: 9.30am - 5.30pm
Tickets: $210 (public) / $190 (AAA Members) – link in bio

Details of meeting place in Sydney CBD to be forwarded upon ticket purchase.

with the Architect
Enjoy a special tour this Sunday 29th May when we feature two Castlecrag residences originally designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.

HOUSE 1: FELSTEAD HOUSE

Felstead House constructed in 1924 was one of over a dozen residences built in Castlecrag by the Griffin's company the Greater Sydney Development Association (GSDA). The development of the Castlecrag estate was intended to model how to subdivide, develop and build with respect for the Australian Landscape.

The residence has been lovingly restored over the past couple of decades by it's current inhabitants and is a unique example of the Griffins experimentation with new construction systems.

HOUSE 2: CASTLECRAG RENOVATION - WEIR PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS

The original home constructed in 1934 was designed by Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin.

Over the years the home has undergone a number of renovations and additions, by architects such as Eva Buhrich (1943) and Brewster Murray Architects (1991).

Listed on the NSW State Heritage Register the clients appointed Weir Phillips Architects to modernise the house to better meet the needs of twenty-first century living.

Weir Phillips design is aimed at creating extensions that celebrate the originality of the Griffin house without copying it.

ABOUT WEIR PHILLIPS ARCHITECTS

is an award-winning Sydney based architecture practice delivering high quality design for residential and commercial projects.

Directed by Robert Weir and an experienced team, the firm offers comprehensive architectural services from feasibility analysis through concept and detail design, construction documentation and contract administration. The firm provides in house access to planning and heritage advice and has collaborated with Sydney’s leading consultants, builders, interiors designers and landscape architects.



TOUR DETAILS

Location: Castlecrag, NSW
Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm
Date: Sunday 29 May 2022
Tickets / Link in Bio : $55 (Public) / $45 (AAA Members).

with ... The Blue Mountains turned on the sunshine for a spectacular day touring the Off Grid House. Thank you to Simon Anderson for taking the group through the project from beginning to end and to the future. As well as sharing your knowledge about sustainability and bush fire protection. So much information was shared and that’s what these tours are about, getting up close and personal with the architect. Thank you also to everyone who attended! You can check out the house on with on April 6 on Foxtel.

First for 2022
Calling all sustainable design enthusiasts… this Sunday, we will be visiting and opening a very sustainable residence in the Blue Mountains by

Off Grid House is a skilful combination of passive and environmentally sustainable design methods and is an 8-star bush block, which has helped Simon Anderson minimise his family’s energy. Importantly, the project also served as a significant early prototype for the practice’s mounting expertise in Off Grid house design.

There are too many features and award competition commendations to mention here, but needless to say that the Off Grid house is an amazing achievement by Simon Anderson who is proud that the home operates well without a back-up generator. Simon said, 'there's something amazing about running off power that you've made and water that you've collected'. And the biggest lesson in off grid living? "Run the dishwasher when the sun's out".

Numbers are limited, so don't miss out on seeing and hearing about the design process at Off Grid house from Simon Anderson, book via link in bio.

TOUR DETAILS

Location: Megalong Valley, NSW
Time: 11.00am - 12.30pm
Date: Sunday 20 March 2022
Tickets: $45 (Public) / $35 (AAA Members) – via link in bio

ABOUT ANDERSON ARCHITECTURE

Formed in 2002, Anderson Architecture is an award winning practice known for their sustainable design ethos. Simon Anderson began his own practice after graduating from UTS (University of Technology Sydney) and working for well known architectural firms such as Daryl Jackson Robin D**e, Tony Caro Architecture and Kennedy Associates Architects (KAA). Anderson Architecture undertakes predominately residential work, with an emphasis on humane design and a priority on natural light and tactile materials, to bring projects to life. A connection with the natural and built environments is key to the firms thinking. The use of passive design ideas along, with active systems to reduce a building energy use, a driving force.

Photography: Nick Bowers

This month is filled with our signature walks of urban exploration.
Led by knowledgeable tour leaders and filled with architecture, history and meeting other archi lovers.

~Tours this weekend~

Sat 5th – Ultimo Walk, Art as Architecture. Led by Michael McMullan, who is also a history buff, it’s a great walk around this dynamic and changing suburb. Looks like light rain so we’ll be out and about.

Sun 6th – Redfern Walk (SOLD OUT) it’s a popular walk!

….. More tours in March
Thurs 10th – Walk Through Time
Sat 1th - Woollahra Walk
Sun 20th – From The Rocks to Barangaroo
Sat 26th – Chippendale Walk

Booking and more info via links in bio

Happy exploring!

Image credit: Dr Chau Chak Wing Building - UTS Business School, designed by Frank Gehry. (Photographer: Vanessa Couzens)

Last tour for 2021!

This Sunday we will be day tripping to Palm Beach to meet architect Annabelle Chapman and discover how a simple beach shack has been reimagined into a 21st century family home.

Owned by the clients for decades, they discovered when cleaning the gutters of the old house, that the view from the roof was spectacular. With a growing family and needs for more space, a new house was created.

ABOUT ANNABELLE CHAPMAN ARCHITECT

Established in 2000, Annabelle Chapman Architect is a small design studio located in Eastern Sydney, that specialises in residential design.

Principal of the practice, Annabelle Chapman, holds degrees in both Architecture and Interior Design, and has been a Chartered Architect since 1986. Annabelle has over 30 years’ experience, having worked on Heritage Buildings, Commercial Interiors, small and large scale residential work.

Annabelle's design ethos is centred around the creation of residential spaces that are inspiring, integrate sustainable building practices and provide clients with planning solutions to suit their lifestyle. Her work has been published in architectural and other publications.

TOUR & BOOKING DETAILS

Location: Palm Beach, NSW
Please note that the address and meeting point will only be forwarded to ticket holders in the days immediately before the tour.
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 13 December 2021
Tickets via link in bio: $35 (Early Bird – ends Wed 8th) / $40 (Public) / $30 (AAA Members)

Don't miss your opportunity to experience this private residence, numbers are limited. Book your place on the tour.

Please note
- Concession ticket holders should present their ID on the tour day.
- Due to Covid-19, we follow all current NSW Government health requirements. All Participants will have to be fully vaccinated to attend the event and masks will be required. If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend.
- All attendees will be reminded to practise social distancing of 1.5metres from one another on the day and you will be asked to use the hand sanitisers on entry.

with the Architect

The rain will not stop the enthusiasm we feel to be able to present our first since lockdown officially ended.

The second last tour for the year and it is a sweet tale of love for a Modernist home on the Northern beaches.

Meet the architect (and AAA Vice President) Ben Gerstel and the clients to discover how the contemporary renovations and additions were designed to complement the original twentieth century Modernist home. The clients and architect were adamant that the character of the existing home was to be maintained and enhanced. The complementary extension and replanning of spaces has given this house a new lease on life and created a nurturing home for a young family.

Ben Gerstel Architecture was established in 1997 and is based in Castlecrag. Working as a sole practitioner, Ben's practice specialises predominately in residential design, from alterations and additions through to new residences.

Ben is the Vice President of the AAA and has developed several architectural walking tours for the Association. His extensive historical local knowledge of Sydney architects and architecture is demonstrated through a variety of articles that have been published in the local media

Come and join us on Sunday and see it for yourself.

Tour & booking details
Location: Elanora Heights, NSW (address forwarded to ticket holders in the days immediately before the tour.
Time: 11.00am - 12.00pm
Date: Sunday 28 November 2021
Tickets via Eventbrite link in bio: $40 (Public) / $30 (AAA Members)

Please Note:
Due to Covid-19, we follow all current NSW Government health requirements. All Participants will have to be fully vaccinated to attend the event and masks will be required. If you are feeling unwell, please do not attend.
All attendees will be reminded to practise social distancing of 1.5metres from one another on the day and you will be asked to use the hand sanitisers on entry to the house.

WE ARE BACK // We’ve been keeping a low profile but fear not, we have been working away in the background to make sure that when we could resume our tours, they would be safe and sustainable. Check out the link in bio to see the walking and tours that are scheduled to go ahead.

In saying that, cultural organisations have been hit hard by the pandemic and AAA is a not for profit organisation who raises over 90% of its’ own income.

Therefore, we need your help and support of our annual fundraising campaign to Keep Architecture Open for everyone. For those who may not be familiar with what we do, in short, our mission is to enable the public to understand, enjoy and discuss architecture, locally and beyond. We do this in a myriad of ways, most visibly, walking tours and the private open homes with the architect.

In appreciation of your help, we have put together some great rewards for your support. Now is also the time to gift a membership or renew.

REWARD No. 01 - First amazing reward is a private tour for up to four people of Fishwick House designed by Walter Burley Griffin in Castlecrag NSW. Completed in 1929, this extraordinary home was Griffins largest and only two storey house in Castlecrag. Meet the owners and gain an insight in the building's design, technology, construction, landscaping, social history and restoration.
Whether you are a design enthusiast, architect, building designer, interior designer, historian, student or just familiar with the work of the Griffins, this tour is not to be missed!

Reward Details:
Time: 10.00am or 2.00pm
Date: Saturday 6 November 2021
Location: Castlecrag NSW
Cost: $300.00 (link in bio)

Swipe to see other great rewards on offer and Keep Architecture Open!!

Dear AAA supporters… We need your help!

It is almost the pointy end of the financial year and as a registered not-for-profit, we rely on donations and volunteers to keep architecture open and accessible to all.


Since 2004, the Australian Architecture Association (AAA) has been dedicated to inspiring and educating the public on why design matters.

AAA raises all funds for its architecture and design programs itself, from non-government sources, therefore your generosity is critical in enabling AAA to develop and deliver its’ program.

Since AAA’s inception leading Australian and International architects have been invited to give lectures on their work. Special walks programs targeting and tailored to school age students have been organised to educate our next generation about the design of our habitat.


To achieve our Mission, we invite you to support the AAA through a donation to the AAA Fund.


As a not-for-profit cultural organisation, we rely on assistance from our team of trained and knowledgeable volunteers and donations from our supporters to carry out and expand our design program.

The AAA Fund is a tax deductible Fund listed on the Register of Cultural Organisations under Subdivision 30-B of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997, Australia.

Your support helps us to increase educational opportunities for the public including students and improves our tour and talk experiences.


Follow the link in bio to make a tax deductible donation to the AAA FUND prior to the end of the 2021 financial year.


*if you prefer to fill out a donation form and send via email, got to ‘Donations’ on our website to access the form. . Thank you to all our supporters!

– Special Double Feature

It’s a great month when we are tour one amazing home BUT this May we are going all out … as in way out to the Blue Mountains to see 2 phenomenal houses in a quintessential Australian bushland setting.

These houses are highly published so we don’t need to convince you to join us with multiple beautiful images.

Early Bird tickets close on 23rd May so be quick!
Date: Sunday 30th May (10.30am-3.30pm)
Booking: Link in bio

We can’t wait to see fellow enthusiasts for an architecture packed Sunday!!

Tour 1
Stonelea House by Matt Woodward Architecture

Shortlisted for >
2021 HOUSES Awards: New House over 200 square metres

“country honesty and earthiness”….Winding downwards along the dusty drive, burnt tones and grey shades of the surrounding bush prelude the first impressions of the house – a unified, elongated, low-lying pitched form that draws on the Australian-Shed vernacular. A country retreat for the client to accommodate a large family, the house is based on passive design principles combined with technological initiatives for power generation, water collection, heating and cooling mean that the operational footprint on the environment is minimised.
Photo credit: Brett Boardman Photography

Tour 2
Blackheath House by James Stockwell Architecture

Shortlisted for >
2020 NSW Architecture Awards for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
2020 HOUSES Awards: New House over 200 square metres

‘Living in the house brings a sense of calmness and allows the owners to reconnect, recover and ground themselves, always feeling connected to nature', said the owners. This small house project produces its own power and water, is partly buried for protection and carries a curved roof directed to the north sun. The design of the building is derived from the resourceful, traditional alpine architecture of Australia and seeks to understand the climate, natural systems and geology resulting in a dwelling requiring less energy to run and maintain.
Photo credit: Patrick Bingham-Hall