For over a decade, renowned architect Peter Maddison was the frontman of the much-loved show Grand Designs Australia. During that time, he witnessed a diverse range of innovative homes take shape with visionary concepts for enhancing everyday living.
The practice he built, Maddison Architects, is at the forefront of inspiring residential design, realising iconic projects like Melbourne’s Eureka Skydeck and multiple RMIT campus buildings. His expertise in envisioning grand designs made him the ideal choice to present at Metricon’s inaugural Masters of Design Summit (Mo.D \ 24) in Tasmania with insights into 'The Future of Housing'.
Addressing Metricon’s brightest minds and a gathering of industry leaders at Mo.D \ 24, Peter shared his insider perspective on Australia's housing crisis and the path ahead. “Architecture is about more than just habitation,” Peter says. “It can be both memorable and iconic.”
Recalling a moment from his childhood when he realised the wonder of the built space, Peter told us that watching Sean Connery as James Bond in the 1971 movie Diamonds Are Forever changed his life. While the action-packed scene featuring Bond and his adversaries was impressive, it was the surroundings, particularly the Serie UP 2000 armchair by Gaetano Pesce for B&B Italia within the concrete-domed Elrod House designed by John Lautner, that captivated him most.
Perched on a hillside in Palm Springs, California, with its iconic half-moon pool overlooking Coachella Valley, Elrod House, completed in 1968, embodies a visionary approach to living. For Peter, this architectural masterpiece exemplifies design's profound impact on humanity. “Design is about influencing mankind,” Peter says. “It’s a lot more than a shopping list of rooms.”
Peter's perspective challenges the conventional view of architecture as a utilitarian arrangement of spaces. He believes that thoughtful design can shape behavior, foster connections, and enhance well-being.
Peter fondly recalls his upbringing in a Californian bungalow in Parkdale, Melbourne, which he affectionately calls a 'Cal bung', a quintessential home style found across Australian suburbs today. Despite the societal challenges of the 1950s, Peter's childhood home had character and warmth.
Drawing parallels to Metricon's philosophy as Australia's leading builder, renowned for our designed-for-life homes, Peter emphasises our innovative approach to open-plan living. “Perhaps we should be looking at rooms with interchangeable use,” Peter suggests, contemplating the evolution of home design and functionality. He envisions spaces that can adapt to various needs throughout the day, promoting flexibility and maximising functionality. This approach not only enhances living efficiency but also aligns with modern lifestyles where spaces serve multiple purposes seamlessly.
He also advocates for smarter consideration of practical elements in home design. As a nation of car enthusiasts, Peter proposes that garage design could be integrated more holistically into the architecture of homes. “Not separate from the architecture, but integral to it,” he proposes, envisioning a more cohesive and functional living environment.
Peter Maddison engaged with the Mo.D \ 24 audience during their exploration of three Tasmanian homes crafted by bespoke architecture studio, Archier. Among them was a modular 'prefab' house conceptualised by Archier's affiliated company, Candour, where components are craned in and assembled on-site, showcasing potential future home-building methods.
Peter suggests that future building practices will increasingly incorporate sustainable materials such as laminated veneer lumber and cross-laminated timber. These materials are known for their environmental benefits, including reduced carbon footprint compared to traditional building materials.
Moreover, Peter highlights the importance of sustainability in construction, referencing frameworks like One Planet Living. This approach assesses sustainability across various aspects of life, from consumer choices to transportation habits, emphasising practices that minimise ecological impact. Peter sees this holistic approach as a significant challenge that architects and builders must address to create environmentally responsible homes and communities for the future.
Peter was invigorated for his post-Grand Designs era, having recently completed a four-day hike through the Three Capes in Tasmania. He believes that achieving the home of your dreams doesn't necessarily require a massive budget, a sentiment echoed by Metricon, who are ready and willing to help.
“The best architecture has identity without grandeur, without cost,” Peter says.
To read more about Metricon's inaugural national Master of Design Summit (Mo.D) in Tasmania, click here.
