The architect Glen Murcutt made famous houses in the wilderness

London – Australian architect Glenn Marcus Murcutt, born July 25, 1936, in London, has made a name for himself with family homes in the wilderness that feature corrugated metal roofs, large glass facades, and a structure that resembles a provisional tent. These lightweight and nature-friendly houses have made Murcutt one of the most famous Australian architects. In 2002, he received the most prestigious award in the field – the Pritzker Prize.

Murcutt's architecture is rooted in the traditions of Indigenous Australian cultures. He has influenced modernism with his strong connection to traditional building methods, the use of local materials, and consideration of the impact of climate and environment on construction. His buildings, which seek harmony with nature and minimal environmental impact, were ahead of their time. His famous houses, Meager House, Marie Short Funhouse, and Riversdale-Houses, nestled in the landscape, resemble beetles with their flaps and metal wings. They stand in the Australian desert, embodying the ideal of escape from civilization. Murcutt was inspired in his work by the famous book Walden – Life in the Woods by American philosopher Henry David Thoreau.

Murcutt was born to Australian parents in London. He grew up in New Guinea and currently lives in Sydney. He studied architecture there and after five years working for the firm Ancher Mortlock Murray & Woolley in Sydney, he became independent in 1969 and established his own office. He lives on a farm with extensive land and drives a 1979 Citroën. As an architect working independently without partners, he has helped establish at least 16 new offices and has provided projects to young architects for which he himself did not have time.