To celebrate our 150th issue, we sifted through the archives to reminisce about how Houses has evolved in its 34-year history – because it’s not a proper milestone birthday without a “when they were young” flick through the photo album.
The first issue of Houses – or Architect Designed Houses, as it was then known – was published in 1989 and cost readers $5.90.
Image:
Image courtesy Architecture Media
The first issue of Houses – or Architect Designed Houses , as it was then known – was published in 1989 and cost readers $5.90. The publication offered a rare insight into contemporary residential design, complete with plans and product information. The introduction to issue 2 declared: “Architecture is about more than just building – it’s about the quality of living.” Initially an annual publication, its frequency increased gradually and, by 1998, Houses was published quarterly.
Cover of issue 34 (2003): John Wardle Architects, Anglesea Residence. Photograph: Shannon McGrath.
Image:
Image courtesy Architecture Media
As the magazine evolved, its title became simply Houses and, in 2001, its tagline was “the residential architecture magazine.” The content was also evolving: articles increased in length; “In Focus” features offered detailed coverage of specialist areas, from flooring and glazing to kitchen and bathroom design; and the “In Profile” series gave readers insight into practice life, featuring candid conversations with leading residential architects.
Cover of issue 74 (2010): BKK Architects, Beached House. Photograph: Peter Bennetts.
Image:
Image courtesy Architecture Media
A 2010 update revealed a new tagline: “Australian residential architecture and design.” This refresh coincided with new art direction by Ken Leung, who had previously worked on Monocle and Vanity Fair , and a reinvigorated content focus. The editorial team initiated new sections including the First House and Revisited series, both of which continue today.
Fern Tree House, Hobart by McGlashan and Everist (1969). Published in issue 92 (2013).
Image:
Jonathan Wherrett.
Acknowledging the enduring appeal of architect-designed houses from past eras, Revisited recounts personal stories of the architects and clients behind these celebrated homes. The series has included houses from the 1950s to the 1980s, including work by Bill and Ruth Lucas, Roy Grounds, Robin Boyd, Harry Seidler, and Edmond and Corrigan, among many others. Revisited is a tribute to the rich legacy of residential architecture in Australia, and to the dedicated custodians who are committed to its preservation.
Image: Katelin Butler introduces Poppy Taylor, Mat Hinds and their clients James and Cassandra Stoddart at Our Houses Hobart (2017), hosted at Brickworks Design Studio.
Image:
Nina Hamilton
The conversations came off the pages of the magazine and into a live event when Houses launched a talk series in 2010, giving audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the architect–client relationship. The Our Houses series continues around the country today, with architects and clients sharing stories of their collaboration with honesty, humility and humour.
Houses Awards 2015 at NGV International.
Image:
Image courtesy Architecture Media
Houses honours the pinnacle of Australian residential design through the Houses Awards, an annual program that recognizes and celebrates the extraordinary work produced by the country’s leading architects. Held since 2011, the awards are an integral part of Houses’ commitment to bringing great residential architecture to the attention of a wide audience.
Cover of issue 1 (1989): Overman and Zuideveld, Mosman Park House. Photograph: Richard Woldendorp.
Image:
Image courtesy Architecture Media
The first commissions for young practices are often residential projects – and a story in Houses can be the first time their work is published. Many architects who have experienced this have gone on to direct widely respected and awarded practices, and to feature regularly in the pages of Houses.
Cover of issue 124 (2018): Clare Cousins Architects, Garden Room House. Photograph: Tess Kelly.
Image:
Image courtesy Architecture Media
A fresh-faced Houses was unveiled in issue 124, with a subtle and elegant design by Janine Wurfel of Studio Metrik, who has been carefully guiding the magazine’s art direction since 2018. The refresh ensured the layers of detail in every story were legible, and its refined aesthetic emphasized the print magazine’s longevity in a fast-moving world of digital and social media.
Image: May’s Point by Tanner Architects. Photograph: Adam Gibson.
Image:
Image courtesy Architecture Media
A dedicated Houses newsletter delivers a weekly dose of curated, inspiring residential design to readers’ inboxes. The newsletter includes additional, digital-only content that has not been published in print, enriching the breadth of residential design covered across the Houses brand.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
