Monday, May 20, 2024

Sun House Queen Edith's Way Cambridge Built 1939

Sun House Queen Edith's Way Cambridge Built 1939 



The Sun House on Queen Edith's Way in Cambridge is a head-turning example of Streamline Moderne architecture, built in 1939. Here's what makes it special:

  • Designed for a Moderne Life: Built for William and Constance Cairns, the architect was W.A. Cairns, William's brother. The house incorporated cutting-edge features for the time, like a glass staircase and enormous curved windows.

  • Striking Streamline Moderne Design: This architectural style emphasises sleek curves and horizontal lines. The Sun House features a semi-circular two-story bay window and a semi-circular sunroom on the roof.

  • Locally Noted Landmark: The house is described as a "blatant piece of streamlining, jazzily coloured" by Pevsner in his architectural guide. A local newspaper article even highlighted its unique features, mentioning the glass staircase as a particularly fascinating element.

If you're ever in Cambridge, keep an eye out for 23 Queen Edith's Way. This house is a surviving piece of architectural history that brings the Streamline Moderne style to life.