1948 Sydney Ancher designed Killara home for auction

Designed and lived in by internationally renowned architect Sydney Ancher in 1948, number 2 Maytone Avenue, Killara, is up for sale.

Jill Smith of Savills Gordon has listed the property which is one of three that form an enclave of modern case-study houses.

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 sale of this property offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of Australian, and indeed international, significance," Jill Smith of Savills Gordon said.

"Being situated just moments from Gordon shopping, transport and highly-acclaimed schools, makes this a very special offering indeed."

The onsite auction is scheduled for March 23 with a $2 million price guide.

The three homes 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.  

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.   

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, set on 746 square metres 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.

The house was thoughtfully renovated by internationally recognised architect Glenn Murcutt AO. 

It last sold at $1.1 million in 2012.