Estate benefits: in support of the communal, the concrete and the creative
A new book on post-war housing is unapologetically supportive of the communal, the concrete, and the creative

Stef Orazi, a graphic designer with a clutch of high-profile cultural clients, has long been fascinated by architect-designed estates. So she set up the blog Modernist Estates, focusing on property for sale and in-depth interviews.
Publisher Frances Lincoln approached her with a book proposal, and now her imagery and interviews have made a neat transition from screen to page. The flats on display (such as London’s Alexandra and Ainsworth Estate) are shaped by modernism’s relentless rise in popularity and the keen eyes of the inhabitants – typically design-industry types with well-curated living spaces.
‘The book is about a unique time in recent British history when architects, planners and the government had ambition and vision,’ says Orazi, who is pictured at her own London home, part of an estate by Benson + Forsyth.
As originally featured in the October 2015 edition of Wallpaper* (W*199)
Stef Orazi, pictured at her own London home, part of an estate by Benson + Forsyth.
… alongside in-depth interviews with their high-profile architects and planners. Pictured: architect Neave Brown.
The book was borne out of the graphic designer's fascination with architect-designed estates.
INFORMATION
Modernist Estates, by Stef Orazi, published by Frances Lincoln, £25
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Jonathan Bell has written for Wallpaper* magazine since 1999, covering everything from architecture and transport design to books, tech and graphic design. He is now the magazine’s Transport and Technology Editor. Jonathan has written and edited 15 books, including Concept Car Design, 21st Century House, and The New Modern House. He is also the host of Wallpaper’s first podcast.
-
Kaari Upson’s unsettling, grotesque and seductive world in Denmark
The Louisiana Museum of Modern Art in Denmark is staging the first comprehensive survey of late artist Kaari Upson’s work
-
Seven up in an ID.Buzz – Volkswagen’s latest all-electric MPV deserves a brighter future
We see if the VW ID.Buzz is cut out for everyday life by taking a road trip in Volkswagen’s newly extended electric micro-bus
-
Vestre’s neo-brutalist furniture will bring ‘a little madness’ to Paris Fashion Week
Bound for Paris Men’s Fashion Week this month, Norwegian furniture brand Vestre reveals a sculptural bench and mirror created with designer Vincent Laine and fashion creative Willy Cartier – the latest outcome of its risk-taking ‘a little madness’ initiative
-
Modernist Travel Guide: a handy companion to explore modernism across the globe
‘Modernist Travel Guide’, a handy new pocket-sized book for travel lovers and modernist architecture fans, comes courtesy of Wallpaper* contributor Adam Štěch and his passion for modernism
-
Wild sauna, anyone? The ultimate guide to exploring deep heat in the UK outdoors
‘Wild Sauna’, a new book exploring the finest outdoor establishments for the ultimate deep-heat experience in the UK, has hit the shelves; we find out more about the growing trend
-
Ten contemporary homes that are pushing the boundaries of architecture
A new book detailing 59 visually intriguing and technologically impressive contemporary houses shines a light on how architecture is evolving
-
Take a deep dive into The Palm Springs School ahead of the region’s Modernism Week
New book ‘The Palm Springs School: Desert Modernism 1934-1975’ is the ultimate guide to exploring the midcentury gems of California, during Palm Springs Modernism Week 2025 and beyond
-
Meet Minnette de Silva, the trailblazing Sri Lankan modernist architect
Sri Lankan architect Minnette de Silva is celebrated in a new book by author Anooradha Iyer Siddiq, who looks into the modernist's work at the intersection of ecology, heritage and craftsmanship
-
'Tropicality' explored in Indonesian architect Andra Matin’s first monograph
'Tropicality' is a key theme in a new book on Indonesian architect Andra Matin, whose work blends landscape, architecture and living
-
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a lovingly compiled photographic portrait of cars and architecture
‘A Time ⋅ A Place’ is a celebration of the European Car of the Year and changing perceptions of modern design, pairing the best buildings of the age with their automotive contemporaries
-
Álvaro Siza’s new monograph through the lens of Duccio Malagamba is impactful and immersive
Álvaro Siza and photographer Duccio Malagamba collaborate on a new monograph by Phaidon; ‘Before / After: Álvaro Siza Duccio Malagamba’ celebrates the Portuguese architect's work