Tim Ross invites audiences into Australia's iconic homes

Tim “Rosso” Ross is fusing comedy and architecture in his national show Man About The House.

Currently taking a break from the airwaves, much of Ross’ post-radio life has revolved around Australia’s architectural landscape.

“We have some of the best domestic architecture anywhere in the world,” he says.

“The houses that we built here in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s are extraordinary and speak of our ability to design great things.”

Man About The House has been performed in over 40 iconic homes to date, but this tour marks the first occasion the show is extending to include other architecturally significant buildings.

“I’ve always been passionate about mid century modern architecture and Man About The House lets people experience buildings in a way they would never normally be able to, while enabling me to explain in a tangible way why this architecture should be protected,” Ross says.

“We let people enjoy the space, to relax in the space and feel like they are a guest in the house,” Ross says.

In 2014, the show received the National Trust Heritage Award for its role in raising awareness about the importance of conservation of heritage, specifically through buildings.

Ross final shows for 2015 kick off on Friday November 13 in Melbourne. For tickets, visit Eventopia.

Below is sneak peak inside each of the venues being showcased.

Doll’s House, VIC

Melbourne practice BKK Architects have renovated this existing family Northcote home into modern “doll’s house”.

“Architect Simon Knott’s desire to design a home for his family that resembles a real-life doll house plays into many peoples’ love of their childhood,” Ross says.

“Architecture that has a sense of fun, daring or adventure strikes a chord with us because it is different from the norm.”

The house offers highly flexible layout that is adaptable to the changing needs of occupants over time.

The new addition is largely made up of two spaces that are stacked upon each other with no doors or walls, just furniture and joinery to divide space and imply use.

The house was shortlisted in the 2015 Australian Interior Design Awards.

Log Cabin, VIC

Photo: Haymes Paint

Simone Haag has renovated her family home with a Scandinavian design aesthetic that seamlessly blends with the original mid-century architecture.

“Interior designer Simone Haag’s home has been one of the most talked-about houses online over the last few years,” Ross says.

“Her renovation of a 1970s home in deep suburban Ringwood is a showstopper.”

Purchased in 2012, the ample space, fresh air, views and secluded location invite a sense of calm into the family’s life.

Kennedy Nolan Office, VIC

The office of Melbourne architecture practice Kennedy Nolan is the former home and office of architect Paul Couch.

The practice has won numerous awards for their residential and domestic projects, but their creative studio has rarely been documented prior to this performance.

The Shine Dome, ACT

The Australian Academy of Science’s Shine Dome and with its custom designed furniture was created to reflect the innovative nature of science.

Designed by leading architect Roy Grounds and constructed in 1959, the architecture has proved to stand the test of time.

“[The Shine Dome is] one of my favourite Australian buildings,” Ross says.

The Shine Dome was the first Canberra building to be added to the National Heritage List for its historical and architectural significance.

Coolbinia House, WA

“This 1960s house is currently owned by the national chair of the Institute of Architecture,” Ross says.

“Modernism was the dominant form of architecture of my youth particularly on television so when a house that is in great condition of that era is available for the show, I pounce,” Ross says.

Gresley Monk House

Architects Philip Gresley and Justine Monk renovated this project to serve as their family home.

“I always love to get inside the house of an architect and this one is superb and the home of not one but two of them!” Ross says.

A living area, dining and kitchen space, second bathroom and laundry were conceived as a “box” that suspends from the rear of the existing cottage.

“Small in size but perfectly designed, I cannot wait to see the design quirks of this house up close,” Ross says.

The project won the Australian Institute of Architects Architecture Award (Alterations and Additions– WA) in 2012.

Waverley Street House, WA

A two-storey timber-clad box has been added to the rear of a brick worker’s cottage to give more space to the homeowner, architect Sam Klopper, and his growing family. 

The house wraps around an existing oak tree to protect the house from the strong summer sun, which opens up in winter to fill the house with light.

Iwan Iwanoff House, WA

The Iwan Iwanoff home was designed by the late architect himself as a dual studio/family home in Floreat, Perth.

In the original layout, the studio was located on the ground floor with a single level hovering above for the living space.

“Iwanoff was a great Australian architect who ran his own race in Perth. His use of brick and startling timber interiors have fascinated me for over 10 years,” Ross says.

“This will be the first time I have actually seen one of his houses in the flesh and I’m ready to be inspired.”