Glenn Murcutt

Murcutt is an introverted Australian architect who works on his own in an isolated environment in a semi-detached house in a suburb of Sydney. He only works on buildings in Australia and yet recently began to receive worldwide acclaim. The reason for this is his ability to create innovative, environmentally friendly, practical designs. His modernist influences are certainly apparent, but it is his ability to really harness the strengths of the environment around him that is his most admirable quality. For example, the Marie Short House, which he began in 1974 is a brilliant example of Murcutt borrowing inspiration from his native home and history. He harnessed the form and materials of the woolsheds that punctuate the New South Wales countryside, taking advantage of their long and narrow shape and raised structure, which take advantage of the sun, rain and wind. The Marie Short House is just one example of his innovative architecture that has resonated throughout the architectural community.