M.A.D. during COVID
Like so many activities, all Modernist Architecture and Design (M.A.D.) events were suspended during the height of the pandemic in Australia. Happily, in April 2021, Chief Modernistas Chris Osborne and Susan Bennett crossed the border into NSW to lead a day of modernist discovery and fun. After visits to the mid-century gems of Dee Why […]
60 Years of Lend Lease
As part of the Lend Lease 60th Birthday celebrations, a morning tea in January 2018 gathered together people from many chapters of the company’s history. In the sparkling new Lend Lease offices at Barangaroo, I caught up with Nino Sydney (architect of the Beachcomber), as well as met Malcolm Little, who was a draughtsman for […]
MAD About Beachcombers
As part of the 2013 Sydney MAD weekend (Modernist Architecture+Design), many colourful Beachcomber-ettes came to Avalon Beach from all over the country, anticipating a day of modernist merriment.
More Beachcomber Bonding
Not even a weekend of wild weather could deter the gathering of the Beachcomber clan in Balgownie for the 2015 BBQ. Hosts Tim and Karen welcomed Beachcomber fans to their immaculate Mark IV, high on the Illawarra escarpment. In between the eating of much delicious food, there was lively discussion of Beachcomber-friendly renovations and 1960s colour schemes.
Stackable Beachcomber
Re-imagining the Beachcomber for the 21st Century, design student Kara Prosser has evolved the Beachcomber Mark 2013 to house up to four families – vertically.
Bauhaus birthday cake
Nino’s wife Vera, cake-itect extraordinaire, delighted everyone at the second annual Beachcomber BBQ with both the form and function of her concealed chocolate, almond and hazelnut torte.
Australian Country Beachcomber
Nine pages of colourful retro delight, profiling Billy and Sarah’s Blue Mountains hideaway.
Big box on steel legs
A great overview of the Beachcomber story in the Sydney Morning Herald (October 2012).
Inaugural Beachcomber BBQ
On Anzac Day 2012 the first annual Beachcomber BBQ kicked off at Billy and Sarah’s Mark II in the Blue Mountains.