cclaimed architect Peter McIntyre once coined the phrase ‘emotional functionalism’, believing “people were affected and influenced by the building that housed them”.

Over the decades, McIntyre achieved just that, designing experimental homes across Victoria with gusto, personality and festive lightness, according to Australian academic Phillip Goad.

Now celebrating his 85th birthday this year – and more importantly 60 years as a practicing architect – McIntyre is no less dynamic. “I have one foot in the grave, the other’s on a banana skin, but my hand’s still firmly on the drawing board!” he says.

Enter the Robin Boyd Foundation. This month, architecture aficionados are experiencing some of McIntyre’s work in the flesh, as part of a program comprising two open days and two lectures hosted by the Foundation.

Ten homes in total are part of the event, including the River House, which he designed for himself and his wife Dionne, as well as the Sea House, designed for his family in Mornington.

At the start of April, five homes in Kew and the inner eastern suburbs were available to see, while this Sunday, April 22 architect buffs can peek through five homes in Beaumaris and on the Mornington Peninsula – including the Sea House.

And for those keen to hear the architect in action, McIntyre will lead an entertaining lecture tonight, hosted by the Foundation in the courtyard of its Walsh Street, South Yarra house.

Says McIntyre: “I found I could best experiment with my own houses. By the end of the 7Os, I had refined this to a great degree and it culminated with the Sea House. This is the building that has had a profound influence throughout the latter part of this journey and is the building which has come closest to the ideal I have been seeking.”

Take a road trip this weekend and find out just what he’s on about.

The Robin Boyd Foundation are offering Broadsheet readers tickets to the Peter McIntyre Open Day at the discount members price of $70. These tickets must be pre-booked and give entry to all five open houses between 10am and 4pm. To receive the discount rate, download the booking form here, use the membership section and add the note ‘Broadsheet reader’.

robinboyd.org.au