The doors have opened for “Iconic Australian Houses”, an exhibition by Karen Mcartney and Architecture Foundation Australia that celebrates famous Australian architects and residential projects.

Amongst the turnout for the opening of the event at the Sydney Living Museum were Australian architects Glenn Murcutt, Enrico Taglietti, Russell Jack, Peter Muller, Camilla Block and Penelope Seidler AM, who also gave the opening speech.

Running from April 12 to August 17, the exhibition will explore 30 of what the organisation considers “the most important Australian homes over the past 60 years.”

This is done through photography, illustrations, 3D models and filmed interviews that look beyond the physical structures of the building and tell the story of good design and its effect on occupant lifestyle – as a result, illustrating the emergence of a distinctively Australian approach to home design.

The Jack House by Russell Jack will be open for a Focus Tour. Image:  Michael Wee

The exhibition itself will showcase 30 iconic houses.

The multifaceted event will also include a walk-through exhibition at the Sydney Living Museum, ‘Focus Tours’, a ‘Talk Series’ and a ‘Meet the Masters’ seminar.

The ‘Focus Tours’ will be on Saturday May 10, and will open the doors to four houses considered by the organisation as iconic in the Australian residential architecture industry.

The Collins House by Ian Collins will be open for a Focus Tour. Image: Michael Wee

Among those opening their doors are building specialist Karen McCartney, owner of Bruce Rickard’s Marshall House (1967), and Annalisa Capurro, design educator and owner of the Jack House, which won the Sulman Award in 1957.

Also open for tour are Rippon House (1969), Pettit + Sevitt Courtyard House by Ken Woolley (1965) and Sydney Living Museums' Rose Seidler House (1948).

The talk series will be hosted over four days and will address the topics Making Iconic Houses, Living in Iconic Houses, Designing Iconic Houses and Protecting Iconic Houses.

The Marshall House by Bruce Rickard will be open for a Focus Tour. Image: Michael Wee

Meeting the masters will be hosted by Lindsay Johnson and will centre around discussion amongst Australia’s leading architects, including Glenn Murcutt, Professor Brit Andresen, Richard Leplastrier and Peter Stutchbury.

Assistant Director Dr. Caroline Butler-Bowdon was pleased with the turnout at the opening night and believes the exhibition will be an imminent success.

"It was a great night and the perfect way to launch not just this beautiful exhibition but also our exciting home and architecture program that brings together some amazing talks, tours and exhibitions we'll be rolling out over the coming months" said Butler–Bowdon.

 More information on Sydney Living Museums Home and Architecture program can be found at www.sydneylivingmuseums.com.au/homes