Frinton-on-Sea, Essex

In 1933-34 British Architect Oliver Hill designed an estate in the Essex town of Frinton-on-Sea. The Frinton Park Estate was only partially realised but there were enough Art Deco and modernist houses built to get a feeling for how Hill planned the estate to look.

The first building to be completed was The Round House (above). Designed by Hill, it was used as the estate office and featured a mosaic of the estate layout on the floor designed by Clifford Ellis. The Round House has since been converted into a residence.

The house pictured right was possibly designed by Hill also. It demonstrates how streamline curves were used in conjunction with rectangular elements to create a pleasing overall design. Balconies, large windows (for 1930s England) and French Doors emphasis the seaside location.

Several architects worked on designs for the estate. The house shown on the left was probably designed by local Frinton architect JT Shelton who designed many houses in the area. This house is very different to the other example but expresses a lovely asymmetrical face. The windows on the right cut through the corner and the three small vertical windows beside the door echo the larger configuration above the door. It even includes a car garage, although it looks very narrow to me. I doubt if a modern car would fit through the doors.

Frinton-on-Sea is great place to explore, especially if you want to check out some British White Modernist Houses.