The Resurrection Of A Dilapidated Mid-Century Home

A neglected mid-century home is thoughtfully restored to its former architecture glory

When a home tells a story, you can feel it in the walls, the roofline, the quiet logic of the plan. In Sydney’s North Shore, a neglected mid-century house by architect Loyal Alexander—once his family’s own—offered just that: a fading yet unmistakable narrative of 1950s Australian modernism. Defined by its butterfly roof, stone fireplace, and a strong connection to site, the home had been compromised by years of poor maintenance and unsympathetic alterations.

Yet, what others overlooked, architect Graeme Bell and his partner recognised immediately. This wasn’t a teardown—it was a chance to revive a piece of architectural history with both integrity and care.

(Marco Guagliardo - Mid-Century Home’s Editor in Chief)

In Sydney, a dilapidated mid-century modern home, designed in the late 1950s by architect Loyal Alexander as his family residence, has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Overlooked during its initial listing due to its poor condition, the home was saved from redevelopment by architect Graeme Bell of Trace Architects and his partner, who saw its untapped potential. Their journey to restore this mid-century residence was not only a labour of love but also an exploration of mid-century design and thoughtful refurbishment.