Post-War Homes: Mid-Century British Architecture

Post-war housing across Britain is an extraordinary story of optimism, ambition and innovation. During the 1950s and 1960s, a combination of reconstruction, consumer-led demand and the rise of the Welfare State, saw an unprecedented building boom in housing and new homes. British architects embraced the challenge, seeking to build on the lessons of interwar Modernism while introducing fresh and original ideas of their own. They created mid-century New Towns, estates and houses, as well as many mid- and high-rise modern landmarks. Post-War Homes provides a major survey of this golden age of tectonic creativity, while focussing upon its most important, influential and engaging typologies. As homeowners and occupiers today continue to enjoy the design quality of their mid-century homes, this book celebrates the spirit of innovation and optimism in which such ambitious housing projects were designed and delivered. Features: 30 illustrated case studies, including full-colour photography and historic imagery from the RIBA archive. A complete history, considering exemplary standalone homes, innovative mid and high-rise projects as well as estates and mixed-use communities. Landmark projects including: Ernö Goldfinger’s Trellick Tower, Denys Lasdun’s Keeling House, Neave Brown’s Alexandra Road, and Chamberlin, Powell & Bon’s Golden Lane Estate.