Timeless Beauty: C House Shortlisted for AIA Enduring Architecture Award

September 2nd, 2024
Architecture & Design

a building with a roof covered by plants

Nestled high on a Brisbane hill, C House—designed by Brian Donovan of the former Donovan Hill architectural firm—has earned its place in the spotlight once again, being shortlisted for the prestigious Enduring Architecture Award at the AIA.

First completed in 1998 after an extensive nine-year process, C House has stood the test of time, continuing to inspire architects and design enthusiasts alike with its visionary approach to form, space, and materiality.

C House is a masterful blend of modernist ideas and a deep respect for the natural environment. Utilising the topography of the site, the home gracefully steps through different levels, offering residents seamless connections between the indoors and outdoors. The large openings and cleverly positioned windows not only flood the home with natural light but also capture the cooling breezes, making this a perfect refuge in Brisbane’s sub-tropical climate. Privacy is paramount, with views from the house carefully framed while neighbouring sightlines are restricted—creating a sense of serenity and retreat in the heart of the city.

What truly sets C House apart, however, is its layered relationship with time. The house is not just a static piece of architecture but an evolving space that has aged with grace. This idea of an adaptable home, one that can support different generations and family dynamics, was embedded in the design from the start. The layout features public and private zones that flex and transform depending on the needs of its occupants. As Brian Donovan reflected in a lecture at the Centre for Cultural Materials Preservation and the Robin Boyd Foundation’s Zeitgeist series, the house was designed with the future in mind—ready to accommodate families, couples, or even a home office.

The house anticipates future generations by offering an adaptable planning scheme. The household might be a single family, shared singles/couples, extended family or home office.

Architect statement, Partners Hill

References

Croft, Catherine. 2004. Concrete Architecture. Laurence King Publishing. London, UK.

Riddel, Robert, 2005 . Significant Queensland 20^th Century Architecture. Report for RAIA (QLD).

ABC ‘In the Mind of The Architect: Episode 3’ (2000)

The collaborative nature of the construction process adds another layer of depth to C House’s story. The project’s extended timeline allowed for meticulous craftsmanship, particularly the beautifully detailed timber elements that have become a signature of the house. Donovan’s engagement with local tradespeople ensured that each material was handled with care, resulting in a home that feels as much handcrafted as it does designed.

Beyond its physical attributes, C House has captured the attention of the design world for its atmospheric qualities. The play of light, the incorporation of natural materials, and the balance between openness and intimacy create an experience that’s both grand and inviting. It’s no surprise that Phaidon cited it as “one of the great houses of the 20th Century.”

Now, more than two decades since its completion, C House is being recognised for what it has always been: a testament to thoughtful design that engages with the landscape, the climate, and the lives of its inhabitants.

As it stands among the nominees for the Enduring Architecture Award, it reminds us all of the lasting impact a well-conceived space can have on those who experience it.