As part of the Australian Architecture Association At Home series, AAA will be opening two residences one in Campbell and one in Kambah (Canberra) on Sun, 13 Sep 2026 • (10:30 AM to 1:15 PM), for the AAA Self Drive tour: At Home in Canberra.
The first house we will be visiting and opening on the Sunday is the Fitzgerald house, designed by the architect John Camden Fitzgerald for his own family home, Fitzgerald House is an example of modernist residential architecture that emerged in Canberra during the city’s rapid post-war expansion.
The house reflects the opportunity architects had when designing for themselves to explore modern ideas about domestic life, planning and the relationship between a house and its site.
Its understated architectural expression, functional planning and emphasis on natural light and connection to the outdoors are characteristic of Canberra’s mid-century houses, where thoughtful orientation and relatively simple materials were used to create comfortable homes suited to the local climate and landscape.
As the architect’s own house, it also provides an insight into Fitzgerald’s personal design philosophy and his contribution to Canberra’s lesser-known modernist architectural heritage.
The Second house we will be opening is Rivendell, designed by Laurie Virr for his own family, is a distinctive example of the more individual and environmentally responsive residential architecture that developed in Canberra during the 1970s.
The house reflects an architectural approach that valued natural materials, passive environmental principles and informal living spaces, while maintaining the clarity of planning associated with modernism.
Don’t miss out on going inside both of these amazing modernist houses in Canberra.
Instructions
All attendees will meet at the first house location in Campbell at 10.30am and second house at 12.15pm. Both street addresses will be emailed prior to the date of the event.
Please be aware that accessing the Riverdell house includes some fairly steep stairs.
In consideration of others, please do not attend if you are feeling unwell. Event is not wheelchair accessible, children under 12 not permitted and no pets allowed. The residences will be opened for one hour each.
Tickets are non-refundable.