NOT YOUR TYPICAL URBAN HOUSE

WHEN A TERRACE HOUSE IS NOT A TERRACE HOUSE

This amazing renovation in Fitzroy by Melbourne by Architects Kavellaris Urban Design keeps the idea of tradition to compliment the surrounding houses and gives it a modern twist with its perforated exterior.
Photographer : Peter Bennetts

The solid glass ballustrade offers safety without compromising the view

The theme carries through in the interior doorsIf you have forgotten you are in the 'burbs'- maybe a little artwork to remind you where you are!

MELBOURNE OPEN HOUSE-TOURS

My article in today's Melb Herald Sun is all about the Melbourne Open House Scheme. If you are planning to visit Melbourne on 24th & 25th July I totally recommend at least spending half a day looking at a few buildings to get an inside look on Melbourne.
I you live in our gorgeous city make sure you take time out of kids sport, work or GET OFF THE COUCH! to see the hidden architecture jewels of Melbourne.
Most have 15-20 guided tours to areas that aren't generally open to the public. All are free but booking is recommended.
Some great ones to visit are:-

271 Collins St
image - www.fitzroys.com.au

Council House - 240 Collins St
Images - © Copyright City of Melbourne 2010.

Melbourne Recital Hall

images from website

MELBOURNE OPEN HOUSE

Rarely do you get to see the depths of retail and commercial buildings but on July 24th-25th 2010 Melbourne is literally opening their doors!!
To kick the event off there is a speaker series on Tuesday July 5th - all sessions are free but it is best to book so you don't miss out. I will keep you posted on more of Melbourne Open House in the lead up to it. Stay posted!

ALMOST.... READY TO MOVE IN!

This property in Jamica is ready for you to put your own stamp on it. It looks way beyond a DIY project and you could almost bulldoze it to start again. If purchasing a house this incomplete it seems the owners have run out of money so check if any caveats or loans are against the property.

PATTERNS GONE RIGHT

This magnificent example of early Modernism at McGregor Memorial conference centre shows how the simplicity of geometrics can make a stunning impact. By keeping the focus on pattern and light and keeping colour simplistic the building may date but will always be impressive.

NOT CALLED A GREAT HALL FOR NOTHING

The Great Hall at the National Gallery Museum in Melbourne is the main entry for the Museum bit is also reserved for functions. Conferences, award nights and weddings are held in this vast space. Leaving the walls and floor empty means the focus on the ceiling cannot be ignored.

MIND IF I SQUEEZE IN?

Toronto's 'little' house was built in 1912. The lot was originally a laneway for the next door neighbours but there was no curb for laneway access, so the little-est house was built! The house is now such popular tourist attraction (even though it is still lived in) it even has its own song!

OCEAN VIEW YOU SAID?

Wish you could jsut get away form everyone? This free-standing one-person structure,

by Front Architects gives you the ultimate getaway, of course a water vessel is compulsory. I love a storm by the sea but I think I would sit this one out.

SAUCY SOLAR PANELS

They almost look like a retor coffee table but these Veranda Solar Panels give inner-city dwellers a chance to create their own eco-choice. If you apartment building isnt going to supply a solar roof top this is the next best thing to getting it started. hang it out your window like planter box. Yes they may not be the most attaractive of panels one by one, but if they were installed on mass on a building it would give a whole new architetural feature

TRANSFORMER BATHING BOX

The M-Velope Designed by Michael Jantzen. At $100,000 you would want an amazing bikini to go with it

ADAPTABLE TO THE SEASONS

An Eco house with a difference. This house by Studio Dror tilts to adapt to the season's weather conditions.

SOUND RELIEF

Melbourne and Sydney each held an outdoor concert to raise money for the Victorian Bushfire Disaster. International and local acts banded together to come to the aid of the bushfire victims. Melbourne spectators danced in colourful ponchos, braving the heaviest rain Melboune has seen in months. A touch of irony there. Sydney on the other hand enjoyed the mild Autumn sunshine.

Any open air venue is at the mercy of the weather and its the passion of the fans and stamina of the artists to keep the energy fresh when the elements aren't quite going their way. There are so many spectacular stadiums designed worldwide to host open air events. Some of my favourites are below. Let us know yours

Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Melbourne - Brilliant lawns and sound system hosting anything from death metal to christmas carols. I have blurred memories of seeing my first band there - and no not telling as I may incriminate myself

THE ORIGINAL PLACE TO MEET

Well they didnt always hold the best concerts but its where it all started!

RED ROCKS

Red rocks Ampitheater, Colorado. Nature started it and the city provided the rest

ROCHFORD WINERY SOUNDSHELL

An elegant winery 364 days of the year and one day it becoms the best way to end a day of grape-grazing. Although the portaloo's leave alot to be desired.