Sydney's Lyons House to be included in Homes Group Tour of Canberra

Dr and Mrs Lyons, of the Lyons House in southern Sydney, have offered to open their doors for the Homes Group tour of Boyd homes in the ACT. This means that the weekend will now include a day in Sydney as well as the day in Canberra. The Lyons house is unique in as much as it was Boyd's only commission in Sydney. In terms of selecting an architect, Dr Lyons recalls advice he was given at the time: 'In Sydney it's Harry Seilder. In Melbourne you talk to Robin Boyd'. So how did Boyd end up with a Sydney project? I'm sure Dr Lyons will continue that hilarious story (it gives a great insight into the very different ways these architects viewed the architect/client relationship).

Many thanks to the Lyons! More soon on dates and itinerary.

Next Open House: Lawrence House, August 2007

Invitations to be sent shortly...

Discussions:

1. 'The Renovate vs. Restore Debate' (20 minutes). Speakers include Baracco+Wright Architects.

2. 'How to Save My Boyd Home' (1 hour) Facilitators: Tony Lee and Nic Dowse. This is the first of two sessions. Topics include: a plain English guide to heritage organisations, the 'pros and cons' of various heritage listings and accessing financial assistance to help maintain listed properties.

NOTE: The BHG Open House is a program for BHG participants only. Attendance is strictly on an invitation basis with event details confirmed upon registration.

Forthcoming Open House: Featherston House, October 2007

The last of our Open Houses in 2007 will be held at the Featherston House. The discussion topic, led by owner Mary Featherston, is: 'The Client/Architect Relationship in Generating Transformative Spaces'. Invitations will be posted in late August. For more information email nicdowse AT gmail.com.

Forthcoming Tour: Canberra, 2008

While a quintessential Victorian, Boyd also built a number of important buildings in the ACT, NSW, South Australia and Tasmania. In February of next year, BHG members and friends will have an opportunity to visit some of Boyd's projects, and other significant buildings, in the ACT. Special thanks to Sebastian Clark (of the Manning Clark Foundation and House) and Professor Frank Fenner (the Fenner House) for making their homes available. Thanks also to Martin Miles and the RAIA ACT Chapter Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture (RSTCA) Committee (what a mouthful!) for their support and assistance to date. I recommend Martin's canberrahouse.com website - it offers an excellent overview of significant C20th Modernist architecture in the ACT.

Open House: Baker House, April 2007

The launch was closely followed by an Open House at the Baker House, Baker Library (designed by Sir Roy Grounds) and the Dower House. More than twenty of us took a tour through these beautiful buildings. Many thanks to owner Peter Mitrakis for opening it up.

Images courtsey of http://www.boydbakerhouse.com.au/

Launch Event: Robin Boyd House II, April 2007

Our launch event was a great success with close to fifty attendees. Twenty-two houses designed by Boyd were represented, and we received four apologies (mostly from our interstate friends). We had owners from Sydney and Canberra, Echuca and Colac make the trip to Walsh Street, South Yarra. It was wonderful to see Boyd’s colleagues and clients reunite after 30 years! I would like to thank Jen Aughterson and the Robin Boyd Foundation for her support and Tony Lee for leading the tour.

Images courtesy of the Robin Boyd Foundation. Black and white photography by Mark Strizic.