This beautifully designed 1960’s midcentury modern home was based on the lend lease model called the ‘Pan Pacific’ – designed by the architect Nino Sydney. Rumors say that the original owners had made an interstate trip to the Carlingford Homes Fair held in Sydney back in 1962, which featured a series of architect-designed, affordable housing prototypes. The Pan Pacific design left a lasting impression on them, leading them to arrange for its construction in the Geelong suburb of Hamlyn Heights.
The standout design elements of the house included the elongated gable roof form and the combination of external materials such as face brickwork, stone feature walls, and breezeway blocks. Inside, the spatial flow was enhanced by floor-to-ceiling glazing, a sunken lounge with an open fire, raking ceilings with expressed timber beams, and a free-flowing plan centered around the kitchen.
With developers showing interest in the property, the home was in desperate need of some tender loving care. In 2012, it found new owners – Peter and Belinda Woolard of STUDIO 101 Architects. Over time, they sensitively restored and transformed the home, breathing new life into it. The interiors were adorned with vintage furniture from the owners’ private collection, ensuring the house was enhanced for contemporary living while still retaining its timeless charm. Now, after meticulous restoration, the home stands ready to faithfully serve for another sixty years.
Photos by BWRM Geelong
