A.C. & C.A. Macknight Research Project Update
The ongoing research project into the work of former local Architects A.C. & C.A. Macknight continues, with a lovely set of original drawings back from the framers, now preserved for the next century through mounting on museum-quality card in a period style frame.
The particular house referenced here was designed by the Macknight’s in the early years of their partnership (as Father and Son), for a local Corowa family and in fact the house remains in the family to this day. Built from double brick and rendered in concrete, this handsome residence was completed in 1936/1937.
It is a fine example of the ‘crafted' approach to domestic architecture; which first appeared during the Arts and Crafts period of design, commonly seen in many leafy Melbourne suburbs like Kew, Armadale and Hawthorn.
You may notice the formality of the floorplan, with very specific zones for family, staff, formal occasions and functions. The main entry to the house is actually located on the south side, taking visitors on a journey through the garden into a pentagonal-shaped reception lobby, large enough to ‘receive’ guests and serve cocktails before moving to the dining room. After dinner, guests might move from the living room to the large outside terrace. Reflections of a time now passed, but perhaps due for a reprise!
If you own a Macknight house and are interested in knowing more about its history or how you might go about preserving and modifying it for modern living, please get in touch.