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The McBeath House

Architect: Charles Fearnley

Owner: Mr. and Mrs. A. M. McBeath

Builders: Wilson and Jorgensen

Area: 1,100 square feet

Requirements: Three bedrooms, large living-room and outdoor living space to enjoy sun and view, Protection from midday sun in summer.

Construction: Standard timber frame, concrete foundations, flat fabric covered roof. Windows to north-west of living-room are large sheets of plate glass fixed directly into frame. Other windows either top-hung or horizontally sliding, giving good ventilation in any weather. As no side-hung windows are used thee was no need to restrict windows to two-foot widths. This leaves openings uninterrupted by mullions, sashes, or glazing bars.

Finish: Dressed weatherboards on exterior painted pale blue-grey with white trim. Front door bright yellow. Interior fibrous plaster painted. Walls and ceilings largely off-white as a back-ground for fabrics and furnishings.

Main bedroom off-white and blue. To reduce glare in living-room, ceilings and south-east wall are very pale grey and other walls coral. Fireplace tiles cream with off-white woodwork surround and cupboards. Cupboard handles in living-rooms and bedrooms polished turned wood.

The house is distinguished for its simple but very attractive exterior and for the fine detailing of the woodwork. The plan does not quite measure up to the straightforwardness of the exterior and appears a little tightly arranged. However, the principal rooms are well placed for sun and view. Access to the laundry appears difficult but might be explained by special requirements of the client.

‘An outstanding house which must take its place as a pioneer of good design.’