It may be the nation’s capital, but Canberra has also quietly become Australia’s accidental capital of stunning architect-designed mid-century homes.
In its early days, Canberra was quipped as a “good sheep station ruined”. But efforts of city planners to build a capital worthy of the nation also led to one of Australia’s richest collections of mid-century homes.
Today, mid-century designs and replica builds are highly sought after on the property market.
From country town to capital city
Mid-century modern architecture is usually thought to span from around 1945 to 1970, but in Canberra it was slower to take off.
Development languished because of WWII and the Depression, and a post-war shortage of building materials curbed building activity, leading to jibes the capital was “six suburbs in search of a city”.
Canberra is home to a vast supply of mid-century modern homes. Picture: realestate.com.au
It was only when the National Capital Development Commission - spearheaded by the Menzies government - kicked off in 1958 that things began changing in the once desolate, sparsely populated city.
The commission’s task was to plan, build and populate the city so it was fit to be a national capital. People were lured to live there and returned servicemen were needing homes and work, explained Rachel Jackson, heritage consultant and co-founder of Canberra Modern.
“That modernist period in Canberra is so significant, because we had a high concentration of houses built in that time - but also public buildings, national institutions - where architects had free rein to design things suitable for a ‘Garden City’ capital,” she said.
Most homes in Canberra were built in the 1950s-1970s. Picture: Getty
“They were basically invited to design, build, and populate the city. You needed to have a national capital with people in it and it hadn't really happened before that.
“It was an era of optimism in the post World War period.”
Mid-century boom
Most homes in Canberra were built in the 1950s-1970s. With its surging population and funding for development, architects were seizing the chance to practise their skills.
Typical features of mid-century homes include extensive use of timber, stone, brick and glass. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
The capital became spoiled with iconic mid-century homes, which enjoyed a strong connection to nature, indoor-outdoor flow, light-filled and open plan living spaces. Typical features included raked ceilings, and extensive use of timber, stone, brick and glass.
“The architects of the time really were responding to the ideals of minimal materials and efficiency in construction,” Ms Jackson said.
This home in Deakin was designed by architect Miles Jakl in 1967. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold
“You also got a selection of free trees suitable for the environment if you bought a block of land in Canberra and they still do that, mostly. That was to establish the suburbs quickly and give them a ‘Garden City’ feel.”
A niche style 'at risk'
Today, the architectural style has built a loyal following with homeowners even opting to build new in the iconic mid-century style.
One such listing is 64 Bambridge Street, Weetangera, where a 2016 custom-built home features soaring ceilings, walls of glass, timber accents, and fluid indoor-outdoor spaces.
64 Bambridge Street was built in 2016. Picture: realestate.com.au
Another impressive mid-century inspired gem at 183A Miller Street, O'Connor, ACT has been warmly received by buyers.
“There’s a niche for it - people definitely want them,” Theo Koutsikamanis of Bastion Property said.
This brand new build at 183A Miller Street, O'Connor, has been designed in line with mid-century style. Picture: realestate.com.au
The newly built three-bedroom home, by third generation builders Daniel and Adam Ugarkovic, features clean lines, raked ceilings, timber accents and expansive glazing.
“An internal atrium courtyard gives it that sense of space and openness,” Mr Koutsikamanis added.
While mid-century homes occasionally come onto the market, they are usually renovated:
“There's probably maybe one or two a month that might pop up in all of Canberra, but nothing built brand new like this,” he said.
Every detail has been carefully curated to suit the mid-century style. Picture: realestate.com.au
“Everything from the cork floors to the bottle glass is very unique - it’s very Palm Springs and mid-century.”
Opposite the Prime Minister’s Lodge, a rejuvenated mid-century residence at 13 Canterbury Crescent, Deakin, is for sale for $3.8 million plus. Designed in 1959 by acclaimed Melbourne architects Chancellor & Patrick, the light-filled residence retains its mid-century character.
13 Canterbury Crescent is on the market for $3.8m+. Picture: realestate.com.au
But Ms Jackson's work as principal of GML Heritage, studying modernist houses in the ACT for the National Trust, found Canberra’s significant mid-century modern architecture was under threat.
“We are losing them,” Ms Jackson said.
“There's no protection, either from an environmental planning or sustainability approach, to keep something rather than knock it down. But there’s actually no incentive to list things either.”
Rather than heritage-listing every property, the focus should be on identifying and valuing what is significant, she said.
1 Gray Place, Weston has just hit the market, with an auction scheduled for June. Picture: realestate.com.au
The 2024 study co-authored by Ms Jackson recommended identifying all mid-century modernist homes with potential heritage significance, but that work is yet to occur.
However, that could change after ACT Heritage Minister Chris Steel said in February that preserving important mid-century modern homes was a heritage priority.
“Canberra holds some of the nation’s finest examples of this architecture, so it's imperative we act now to identify and protect these homes and the legacy they represent,” he said.
For the first time, the Heritage Council has also been asked to consider how important examples of mid-century modern homes can be preserved.
This Canberra icon sold in April, featuring breezeblocks, natural pebblecrete, and a sunken lounge room. Picture: realestate.com.au
While some properties are already listed on the ACT Heritage Register or subject to nominations, many others remain under-assessed or undocumented.
The push to balance heritage protection with future development comes as the ACT works towards delivering 30,000 new homes by 2030 under the National Housing Accord.
English (US) · 