Summary

Booklet titled 'Modern Houses', issued by the Small Homes Service, Royal Victorian Institute of Architects, circa 1950s and printed by The Age newspaper. The booklet lists the addresses of homes shown on specific maps in the 41st edition of the Morgan's Official Street Directory, including their architects and dates built. The introduction to the booklet explains that 'the original idea behind the publication was to provide a guide book to visiting architects and students'. Although not intended for public circulation, it proved very popular amongst 'lay people' - those wanting to build or those simply interested in modern architecture. It includes both 'first quality houses' and designs by members of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects, as well as historic homes in older suburbs, interest in which was being stimulated by the National Trust.

The Royal Victorian Institute of Architects established its Small Homes Service in 1947, initially headed by architect Robin Boyd. The service provided a range of house plans and working drawings drawn up by architects, aiming to improve access to quality home design. The Service continued until 1981; the national architectural advice service Archicentre is its offspring.

Physical Description

30-page booklet (plus cover), printed in black on off-white. Photograph on cover of house in Australian bush setting. Back cover has full-page advertisement from the Gas and Fuel Corporation of Victoria, including drawings showing the use of gas in the home setting. The booklet lists the addresses of homes shown on a particular street directory map, their architects and dates built. It includes advertisements such as one for James Hardie's Fibrolite (asbestos cement sheeting) (page.14) and Liberator washing machine and dryer (page 28).

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