Designed and lived in by internationally renowned architect, Sydney Ancher, in 1948, number 2 Maytone Avenue, Killara, is for sale by Jill Smith of Savills Residential Sales. The property is one of three that form an enclave of modern case-study houses, which demonstrate how modern International Style architecture was adapted in Australia using the capacities of local post-war construction.

Sydney Ancher was amongst the first to introduce the International Style to Australian domestic buildings, reshaping its forms to the needs of the climate and way of life. At 2 Maytone Avenue, the basic Miesian cube is extended with covered areas, emulating the Australian verandah. The flowing open-plan living spaces, well-proportioned kitchen, and outlook from outdoor living areas are all important architectural details in this modern 1945 house. The effect of the open-plan living area and the use of retractable screens and curtains create an interior space that is almost Japanese in its flexibility.

Many of Sydney’s planning ideas evolved from a response to simple functional demands. His houses demonstrate his conviction that the beauty of the natural environment could be sensitively complemented by the man-made precision of his structures. The rigorous simplicity which characterises his architecture is tempered by understatement, and by a certain relaxed quality that may be seen as expressing something of the Australian ethos.

Sydney Ancher’s fascination with Europe contributed to the introduction of European internationalism in Australia. Along with Arthur Baldwinson, Robin Boyd, Sir Roy Grounds and Harry Seidler, Sydney Ancher pioneered modern domestic architecture in Australia. His houses of the late 1940s and 1950s became widely known and demonstrated to others the possibilities of a new approach to residential living. Their appeal lay in their subtlety, their suitability for Sydney's temperate climate, and their encouragement of a freer lifestyle for their occupants.

Neighbouring property, 3 Maytone Avenue, also designed by Sydney Ancher, won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects (NSW) Sulman Award in 1945 for its modern indoor-outdoor relationship, despite postwar restrictions and shortages, and in the face of obstructions from a conservative local council that required amendments to be made to some of his designs.

The pre-eminent photographer of modernist architecture, Max Dupain, captured Sydney Ancher’s iconic architecture and formidable style of 2 Maytone Avenue in a series of black and white photographs.

Number 2 Maytone Avenue is a full-brick contemporary house, nestled on 746sq m in a peaceful, child-friendly cul-de-sac on the east side of Killara. Boasting light and airy living spaces that flow to north-easterly, alfresco entertaining areas with a leafy aspect, it offers private, low-maintenance living only a short walk from Gordon.

Featuring iconic curved walls, sliding glass doors and a large covered balcony with an automated vergola, this house offers four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a triple car garage with workshop and storeroom.

The house was thoughtfully renovated by internationally recognised architect Glenn Murcutt AO. In 1992, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the Australian Institute of Architects; in 1996, he was awarded the national honour Order of Australia; in 2002, he received the Pritzker Prize, considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize for architecture; and in 2009, he was awarded the Gold Medal of the American Institute of Architects.

Of the listing, Jill Smith of Savills Gordon says: “The sale of this property offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Australian, and indeed international, significance. It features so many architectural details that we now consider essential to modern-day living, like a flowing open plan, a connection to outdoor living, and incredible views. Being situated just moments from Gordon shopping, transport and highly-acclaimed schools, makes this a very special offering indeed.”

2 Maytone Avenue, Killara, will be launched to market on Saturday 26 January, with the open homes every Wednesday and Saturday from 1:00-1:30pm. The on-site auction is scheduled for Saturday 23 March. Price guide $2,000,000 AUD

Learn more about this property here.