A European Influence – Paterson House by Enrico Taglietti and Associates

Combining European sensibilities and an acute understanding of architecture that responds to context, Paterson House is an early example of experimental residential design in Canberra. Enrico Taglietti and Associates brings an inquisitive rigour to a city that at the time was still developing its identity and direction as a destination, proposing a home of warm materiality with an unexpected angular approach.

Set into dense bushland in one of the inner suburbs of Canberra, Paterson House is located in Aranda and is an early example of residential housing that deliberately avoided the expected Anglo-Australian aesthetic. Having been asked to assist with an exhibition of Italian design held at David Jones in Sydney in 1955, Enrico Taglietti made his way over from his base in Milan and while visiting saw the impending potential of a city still finding its feet. In 1956, he set up his practice and worked on many civic, education, public and hospitality buildings before also taking on residential works. His approach was highly influenced by his European teachings, bringing an unexpected approach to form, materiality and an understanding of context and the inherent importance of architecture that responded, rare in Australia’s domestic homes at the time. In being commissioned in 1967 by owners Mervyn Paterson and Katalin Paterson, Enrico Taglietti and Associates extended the studio’s inquisitive approach to conjure a home developed through extensive rigour and a uniquely responsive, rather than typified, approach.

Enrico Taglietti and Associates created a timeless response to the home’s distinctive site, and in doing so, ensured its significance has endured.

Built by Meli and Eglitis, with engineering by Keith Sellick, Paterson House was completed in 1970 and Enrico Taglietti and Associates was the second architecture firm the clients had engaged. The brief was to be adventurous, while also practical and affordable. Set on a sloping terrain, the home is set amongst native bush vegetation and looks out onto nearby Black Mountain. Its concrete and glass exterior conjures a fortress-type structure, one resembling its own intrinsic robustness. Instead of thrusting a particular style upon the unique site, like many homes of both the time and even of the present, the approach was developed based on a desire to engage with the site. Sitting at the end of a cul-de-sac, the home is both elevated from the other suburban homes due to its location and its native bushland to the rear provides a sense of separation.

Comprised of angled concrete planes, the building has a strong horizontal sense quality, and the use of timber and glass elements both offers a sense of relief and warmth to the overall form. The openings are curated to capture key views outward and create instinctive connections with the site and its surrounding landscape. Inside, the exposed painted brick is broken by timber elements, a feature stair and custom joinery that facilitates an open connection between spaces. A feature curved wall and glazing opens up to a private courtyard, celebrating the movement both up and downward across the levels. Throughout, the connection between inside and out and allowing for a flow of movement are key. Fully enclosed terraces and openings allow for a spill over, encouraging living to occur both inside and out.

Sitting at the end of a cul-de-sac, the home is both elevated from the other suburban homes due to its location and its native bushland to the rear provides a sense of separation.

Paterson House beautifully challenged the typical approach to residential housing at the time of its inception, and its standing relevance today is testament. Enrico Taglietti and Associates created a timeless response to the home’s distinctive site, and in doing so, ensured its significance has endured.

Paterson House beautifully challenged the typical approach to residential housing at the time of its inception, and its standing relevance today is testament.