by ArchitectureWeek

In locations from the far reaches of the Northern Territory to suburban New South Wales, Australian architect Glenn Murcutt has created modernist houses remarkable for their supreme sensitivity to climate, surroundings, and environment.

A true sole practitioner, Murcutt chooses mostly to design single-family dwellings, and only in Australia. The resulting structures attest to the depth of attention he affords each project.

Murcutt's design work shows the influence of the rural Australian shed vernacular, the Aboriginal people of Western Australia, and Mies van der Rohe. He combines metals, concrete, wood, masonry, stone, and glass. Cladding of corrugated iron and straightforward, open plans are common in his houses.

The American Institute of Architects has recognized Murcutt's mastery — and his international influence — in awarding him the 2009 AIA Gold Medal.

In his nomination of Murcutt for the award, Tom Howorth, FAIA, wrote, "[T]here are few individuals who can claim sole and original authorship of a convincing body of significant architecture. Standing tallest among those few is Glenn Murcutt."

"While some might characterize a single-continent geographic range of work as 'regional,' the effect of Mr. Murcutt's is amplified by impassioned and extensive lectures and a commitment to teaching throughout the world," added Howorth.

Murcutt's work also embodies a deeply, intrinsically sustainable approach. "Recently our architectural field experienced an 'ecological boom,'" writes Tadao Ando. "However, without relation to such a trend of time, Glenn Murcutt has always been focusing on the geographical and regional conditions, from the very beginning of his career."   >>>

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SUBSCRIPTION SAMPLE Australian architect Glenn Murcutt is receiving the AIA Gold Medal for 2009. Photo: Courtesy AIA Extra Large Image The Arthur and Yvonne Boyd Education Centre, in Riversdale, Australia, exemplifies Murcutt's sensitivity to material selection and setting. Photo: Wojtek Przywecki Extra Large Image   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.