Statement of recommendation from the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Name: Crossman House Address: 151 Finch Street, Glen Iris Local Government Authority: City of Stonnington

Crossman House, December 2020.

Executive Director recommendation Under Part 3, Division 3 of the Heritage Act 2017 I recommend to the Heritage Council of Victoria that the Crossman House, 151 Finch Street, Glen Iris, should not be included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR).

STEVEN AVERY Executive Director, Heritage Victoria DATE OF RECOMMENDATION: 11 January 2021

OFFICIAL

Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Heritage Council determination

The Executive Director, Heritage Victoria, recommends that the Heritage Council not include the Crossman House, 151 Finch Street, Glen Iris, in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) in accordance with section 49 of the Heritage Act 2017 (the Act) by determining that:

• The Crossman House is not of State-level cultural heritage significance and should not be included in the VHR in accordance with s.49(1)(b) of the Act. • The information presented in this recommendation suggests that the Crossman House may be of potential local significance. • Under section 49(1)(c) of the Act the Heritage Council may wish to refer the recommendation and any submissions to the relevant planning authority for consideration for an amendment to a planning scheme.

At the time of writing, the City of Stonnington had advertised an amendment to the Stonnington Planning Scheme (C304) to apply an individual Heritage Overlay to the Crossman House (HO643) and was considering submissions. The City of Stonnington has proposed internal controls as part of the Heritage Overlay. The local heritage significance of the Crossman House is reflected in the proposed application of an individual Heritage Overlay in the Stonnington Planning Scheme.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

The process from here

1. The Heritage Council publishes the Executive Director’s recommendation (section 41). The Heritage Council of Victoria will publish the Executive Director’s recommendation on its website for a period of 60 days. Submissions must be received by Heritage Council on or before 15 March 2021.

2. Making a submission to the Heritage Council (sections 44 and 45) Within the 60-day publication period, any person or body can make a submission to the Heritage Council. This submission can support the recommendation, or object to the recommendation and a hearing can be requested in relation to the submission. Information about making a submission and submission forms are available on the Heritage Council of Victoria’s website: https://heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/registrations-reviews/executive-director-recommendations/

3. Heritage Council determination (sections 46 and 49) The Heritage Council of Victoria is an independent statutory body. It is responsible for making the final determination to include or not include the place or object in the VHR, or amend a place or object already in the VHR. If no submissions are received, the Heritage Council must make a determination within 40 days of the publication closing date. If submissions are received, the Heritage Council may decide to hold a hearing in relation to the submission. If a hearing does take place, the Heritage Council must make a determination within 90 days after the completion of the hearing.

4. Obligations of owners of places and objects (sections 42 and 43) The owner of a place or object which is the subject of a recommendation to the Heritage Council has certain obligations under the Heritage Act 2017. These relate to advising the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria, in writing of any works or activities that are being carried out, proposed or planned for the place. The owner also has an obligation to provide a copy of this statement of recommendation to any potential purchasers of the place or object before entering into a contract.

5. Further information The relevant sections of the Act are provided at Appendix 1.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Description

The following is a description of the Crossman House at the time of the site inspection by Heritage Victoria in December 2020. The Crossman House is a double-storey 1970s brick residence in the suburb of Glen Iris. The house is oriented to the east to face Finch Street. On the street side, the property is bounded by a high, curved brick wall. Entry to the property is via either a timber pedestrian gate or adjacent driveway gates. The front garden comprises a gravel driveway, mature eucalypts and other native shrubs. The house’s front elevation is dominated by the sharply angled roof and an almost full height window wall to the east and north. The main entry to the house is via a stepped, paved terrace beneath a timber sunshade. Internally, the double-height entry lobby contains a stairwell and garden. The ground floor contains an open plan living area with timber cabinetry along the north internal wall. A void above enables natural light to enter. The remainder of the ground floor contains a breakfast nook, kitchen, laundry and study. In most areas, the walls and ceilings are lined with pale timber boards. The upper level is accessed via a ramped stairway that follows the line of the window wall. The upper level comprises two bedrooms, bathroom and small additional study. The master bedroom is lit by north-facing windows that open on to the void that also lights the living area. A timber deck wraps around the rear of the house and can be accessed from both bedrooms and the bathroom. A spiral staircase can be used to access the rear garden which contains a pool and small combined studio and cellar.

2020, view of house from Finch Street. 2020, carport and front garden. Source: realestate.com Source:realas.com

2020, internal garden and stairwell. 2020, living area. Source: realestate.com Source: realas.com

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

2020, kitchen. 2020, master bedroom. Source: realas.com Source: realas.com

2020, bathroom. 2020, bedroom. Source: realas.com Source: realestate.com

2020, rear deck. 2020, pool and back garden. Source: realestate.com Source: realas.com

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

History

The Crossman family Jules and Ruth Crossman and their two children emigrated from the United Kingdom and settled in Melbourne in early 1955.1 The Crossmans met Kevin Borland in the early 1970s and commissioned him to design a series of holiday flats in Launching Place. The ‘Crossman flats’ were critically recognised for their inventive design and received the RAIA Housing Award in 1974.2 The Crossmans purchased the land at 151 Finch Street in what was then known as Malvern in 1976. They again commissioned Borland, this time to design their family home. They moved into the house in 1978 and resided there until 1982. Kevin Borland Kevin Borland is one of the best represented twentieth-century architects in the Victorian Heritage Register. He was born in 1926 in West Melbourne.3 In the early 1940s he studied technical drawing and construction at the Melbourne Technical College and in 1944 commenced his study of architecture at the . He studied alongside Peter McIntyre and under the tutelage of , and Frederick Romberg. Borland completed his degree in 1950 after a break in his study during which he served in the Royal Australian Naval Reserve. He designed his first residence, the highly inventive and distinctive Rice House (VHR H0123), in 1951. At the age of 26, just two years after graduating, he was part of the team to win a national competition for the design of the Olympic Swimming Stadium (VHR H1977). Other residential commissions followed throughout the 1950s and several of his homes from this era survive, including the Mollar House in Beaumaris. These early works of Borland’s are characterised by their rational simplicity and reflect the international architectural Modernism of architects such as Harry Seidler. Borland began teaching at RMIT in 1955 and went into partnership with Geoff Trewenack in the same year. His work on Preshil Junior School (VHR H0072) began in 1962 and continued into the next decade. Preshil would become one of his most iconic works, and encapsulated his progressive, participatory approach to design and skill in working with timber to produce striking yet hospitable buildings.4 Alongside Daryl Jackson, Borland designed the Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre (VHR H0069) in 1968. The boldly expressive building is widely considered one of the most notable examples of Brutalist architecture in Victoria.5 Drawing on some of the physical characteristics of his Preshil buildings, in 1970 Borland designed the Paton House – one of his most highly regarded and influential houses.6 The Paton House represented the emergence of the dynamic and rugged timber residential design that Borland became known for and was awarded an RAIA merit award in 1972.7 In the same year Borland received an RAIA medal for his work on the Preshil buildings. A series of notable house designs in this style followed, including the Crossman Flats which also received critical recognition. In 1975, Borland led the Architects Group in the design of the Former Clyde Cameron College (VHR H2192), another of the most notable Brutalist buildings in Victoria.8 Borland was a highly regarded educator and taught at all three architectural schools in Melbourne across several decades. He passed away in 2000 leaving an important architectural legacy across Melbourne, regional Victoria and interstate. His residential and public work has been recognised by numerous awards, citations and critical acknowledgement.

1 Drawn from Built Heritage Pty Ltd, Heritage Assessment Crossman House (former), 2020. 2 Heritage Alliance, Survey of Post-War Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage One, 2008, p.108. 3 Drawn from D. Evans, ‘Borland, Kevin’, in P. Goad and J. Willis (eds), The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture, Port Melbourne, VIC, Cambridge University Press, 2012, p. 98-9. 4 Victorian Heritage Register, Preshil Junior School citation. 5 Victorian Heritage Register, Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre citation. 6 Heritage Alliance & Built Heritage Pty Ltd, Mornington Peninsula Heritage Review Area 3, Draft Report, 2019, p. 171; Philp Goad, The Modern House in Melbourne 1945- 1975, PhD thesis, University of Melbourne, 1992, p. 7/7.

7 D. Evans with H. C. Borland and C. Hamann, Kevin Borland: Architecture from the Heart, Melbourne, RMIT Publishing, 2006, p. 58. 8 Victorian Heritage Register, Former Clyde Cameron College citation. Crossman House 6 Hermes No: 206265

Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

151 Finch Street Builder Maurice Nankin purchased the site at 151 Finch Street in June 1974. Nankin planned a two-storey, rectilinear house for the site. He had already laid the floor slab and partially excavated the pool when his firm went bust and the land on Finch Street was slated for sale. The Crossmans acquired the site in 1976 and commissioned Borland to design a new home. Borland utilised the existing floor slab and pool excavation in his design for the site but otherwise departed from the Nankin’s original plan. Skilled émigré tradespeople, Rudolf van Giffen and Andreas Ennerst, were commissioned to construct the house which was completed in 1978 at the cost of $160,000. In the same year, the house was one of the homes profiled in the July/August issue of Belle.9 Although the house was nominated for an RAIA award that year it was not awarded or identified as a runner up.10 The Crossmans only lived at the house for four years. The house’s next owner, neurologist Dr Jack Wodack, resided at the house from 1982 until his death in 2019. The house was sold to its new owner in early 2020 and is currently leased.

1978, east elevation from Finch Street. 1978, pool and rear of house. Source: Belle, July/August 1978 Source: Belle, July/August 1978

1978, internal garden and stair. 1978, living area. Source: Belle, July/August 1978 Source: Belle, July/August 1978

9 E. Cowell, ‘The Borland Changeling’, Belle, July/August 1978, p. 60-68. 10 Built Heritage Pty Ltd, op. cit. Crossman House 7 Hermes No: 206265

Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

1978, kitchen. 1978, master bedroom. Source: Belle, July/August 1978 Source: Belle, July/August 1978

1982, ground floor interior. Source: The Age, 20 February 1982.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Selected bibliography

Newspaper and magazine articles ‘Colorful, innovative and with plenty of indoor greenery for relaxation’, The Age, 20 February 1982. Cowell, E., ‘The Borland Changeling’, Belle, July/August 1978, pp. 60-68. Day, N., ‘Kevin Borland Obituary’, The Age, 13 November 2000.

Journal articles Evans, D., ‘The Changing of the Guard: the social and cultural reflections of Community in 1970s Melbourne Architecture’, Fabrications, 15:1, 2005, pp. 39-53.

Theses Goad, P., The Modern House in Melbourne 1945-1975, PhD thesis, University of Melbourne, 1992.

Heritage Assessments and Reports Built Heritage Pty Ltd, Heritage Assessment Crossman House (former), 2020. Context, City of Boroondara Municipal Wide Heritage Gap Study, Volume 4, Kew, 2019. Heritage Alliance & Built Heritage Pty Ltd, Mornington Peninsula Heritage Review Area 3, Draft Report, 2019. Heritage Alliance, Survey of Post-War Built Heritage in Victoria: Stage One, 2008.

Books and book chapters Evans, D., Borland, H. C. and Hamann, C., Kevin Borland: Architecture from the Heart, Melbourne, RMIT Publishing, 2006. Evans, D., ‘Borland, Kevin’, in P. Goad and J. Willis (eds), The Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture, Port Melbourne, VIC, Cambridge University Press, 2012, pp. 98-99.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Further information

Relevant Authority Stonnington City Council

Heritage Overlay There is currently no Heritage Overlay for this place. An individual Heritage Overlay with internal controls has been proposed and exhibited by Stonnington City Council (December 2020).

Other Overlays There are no other overlays for this place.

Other Listings National Trust, Crossman House (former) (206264), local significance.

Other Names Former Crossman House

Traditional Owner Information The Crossman House is located on the traditional land of the Kulin nation. Traditional owners have not been formally recognised for this area. A Registered Aboriginal Party under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 has not been appointed.

Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register The Crossman House is not included in the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register nor is it in an area of Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity.

Integrity The integrity of the place is very good. The cultural heritage values of the place can be read in the extant fabric (December 2020).

Intactness The intactness of the place is excellent. There has been minimal change to the place since it was constructed. Original features, fixtures and finishes are evident throughout (December 2020).

Condition The condition of the place is excellent. It has been well cared for and maintained by all its owners (December 2020). Note: The condition of a place or object does not influence the assessment of its cultural heritage significance. A place may be in very poor condition and still be of very high intactness or integrity. Conversely, a place/object may be in excellent condition but have poor intactness or integrity.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Statutory requirements under section 40.

Terms of the recommendation (section 40 (3)(a)) The Executive Director, Heritage Victoria recommends that the Crossman House is not included in the VHR.

Information to identify the place or object (section 40(3)(b)) Name: Crossman House

Address: 151 Finch Street, Glen Iris

Location diagram (section 40(3)(b))

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Reasons for the recommendation, including an assessment of the State-level cultural heritage significance of place/object (section 40(3)(c))

Following is the Executive Director's assessment of the Crossman House against the tests set out in The Victorian Heritage Register Criteria and Thresholds Guidelines. A place or object must be found by the Heritage Council to meet Step 2 of at least one criterion to meet the State level threshold for inclusion in the VHR.

CRITERION A: Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria’s cultural history.

Step 1: Test for satisfying Criterion A The place/object has a CLEAR ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life in Victoria’s cultural history. plus The association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history. plus The EVENT, PHASE, etc is of HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, having made a strong or influential contribution to Victoria.

Executive Director’s Response The Crossman House has an association with the development of domestic architecture in Victoria in the latter decades of the twentieth century. Throughout the 1960s and 1970s housing design diversified as leading architects explored new influences and approaches. The relative prosperity of this period led to houses that were more generous in scale and with designs no longer constrained by the austerity of the immediate post-war years. Middle class families increasingly commissioned homes focussed on relaxation, recreation and retreat. This is a phase of historical importance to Victoria, having altered the built environment and shaped the domestic lives of many Victorians. These associations are evident in the physical fabric of the Crossman House and in documentary resources. The building’s exterior and interiors clearly reflect the era of its construction and its conception by an accomplished architect. Step 1 of Criterion A is likely to be satisfied.

Step 2: State Level significance test for Criterion A The place/object allows the clear association with the event, phase etc. of historical importance to be UNDERSTOOD BETTER THAN MOST OTHER PLACES OR OBJECTS IN VICTORIA WITH SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME ASSOCIATION.

Executive Director’s Response Many thousands of architect-designed residences were constructed across Victoria in the latter decades of the twentieth century. A great number of these homes survive today, and many share an association with this phase. The Crossman House is of historical interest as an illustrative example of the type of architect-designed, freestanding homes constructed in the 1960s and 1970s. However, the association with the design and construction of homes in this period can be equally or better understood in numerous other residences across metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria more broadly.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Criterion A is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION B: Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria’s cultural history.

Step 1: Test for Satisfying Criterion B The place/object has a clear ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, custom or way of life of importance in Victoria’s cultural history. plus The association of the place/object to the event, phase, etc IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object and/or in documentary resources or oral history. plus The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, being one of a small number of places/objects remaining that demonstrates the important event, phase etc. or The place/object is RARE OR UNCOMMON, containing unusual features of note that were not widely replicated or The existence of the class of place/object that demonstrates the important event, phase etc is ENDANGERED to the point of rarity due to threats and pressures on such places/objects.

Executive Director’s Response The Crossman House has a clear association with the development of domestic architecture in the latter decades of the twentieth century, a phase of historical importance to Victoria. This association is evident in the physical fabric of the place, and in documentary resources. Many architect-designed houses were constructed in this era, and the Crossman House is not one of a small number of remaining places that demonstrates this phase. The Crossman House is not a rare, uncommon or endangered example of its class. Step 1 of Criterion B is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION C: Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria’s cultural history.

Step 1: Test for Satisfying Criterion C The: • visible physical fabric; &/or • documentary evidence; &/or • oral history, relating to the place/object indicates a likelihood that the place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE of historical interest that is NOT CURRENTLY VISIBLE OR UNDERSTOOD. plus From what we know of the place/object, the physical evidence is likely to be of an INTEGRITY and/or CONDITION that it COULD YIELD INFORMATION through detailed investigation.

Executive Director’s Response It is unlikely that the Crossman House contains physical evidence of historical interest that is not currently visible or understood. Its form, function and historical interest are evident in the fabric of the place and it is well documented. It is unlikely the place contains physical evidence of historical interest that is not currently visible or understood. Step 1 of Criterion C is not likely to be satisfied.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

CRITERION D: Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects.

Step 1: Test For Satisfying Criterion D The place/object is one of a CLASS of places/objects that has a clear ASSOCIATION with an event, phase, period, process, function, movement, important person(s), custom or way of life in Victoria’s history. plus The EVENT, PHASE, etc is of HISTORICAL IMPORTANCE, having made a strong or influential contribution to Victoria. plus The principal characteristics of the class are EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object.

Executive Director’s Response The Crossman House is in the class of 1960s-70s architect designed residences. This class has an association with the development of domestic architecture in the latter decades of the twentieth century. This phase is of historical importance to Victoria. The class is a stylistically diverse, but some principal characteristics of the class are evident in the physical fabric of the Crossman House, including in its: • Geometric forms • Irregular roofline • Informal internal spaces • Integration with the outdoors • Utilisation of voids, glazing and natural light • Highlighting of natural materials (including unpainted brick, timber and unglazed terracotta tiles) and vivid painted surfaces. Step 1 of Criterion D is likely to be satisfied.

Step 2: State Level Significance Test Criterion D The place/object is a NOTABLE EXAMPLE of the class in Victoria (refer to Reference Tool D).

Executive Director’s Response The Crossman House is a well-designed and interesting 1970s residence, conceived by a prominent architect. However, under the definitions provided in Reference Tool D of The Victorian Heritage Register and Threshold Guidelines, the Crossman House cannot be considered a notable example of its class. Many thousands of architect-designed residences were constructed across metropolitan Melbourne and the State of Victoria in the latter decades of the twentieth century. They display an array of design characteristics, reflecting the diversity within residential design that was achieved during the 1960s and 1970s. Several of these places are notable and have been included in the VHR, including the David Godsell House (VHR H2379), Heide II (VHR H1494), the Baker House (VHR H2118) and the Winter Park Cluster Housing (VHR H1345). These places are outstanding examples of residential architecture from the period and are amongst the most celebrated works of their architects. The Crossman House, however, does not display characteristics that are of equivalent or higher quality or historical relevance than these places and cannot be considered fine. Borland was a prolific and highly skilled designer of houses. He designed several houses in the 1970s that received awards, citations and widespread critical acclaim, such as the Paton House in Portsea (1970). The

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Crossman House was not awarded or recognised in this way. Places such as the Paton House also exhibit the style of rugged timber construction, complex floor plans and irregular elevations that are most associated with Borland’s mature residential work, also exemplified by the Colvin House, Nichols House and McCaughey House. The Crossman House is not as characteristic of Borland’s residential work in this period or as indicative of the full extent of his achievements as an architect. In a state-wide context, the Crossman House cannot be considered the most influential or pivotal example of either Borland’s mature residential works, or late twentieth-century residential architecture in Victoria more broadly. The Crossman House is highly intact both internally and externally but this is not unusual for a house completed in 1978. It is likely that many other homes throughout Victoria constructed in this era exhibit a similar level of intactness. In considering a building completed comparatively recently, intactness alone should not be considered sufficient to determine State-level cultural heritage significance. Criterion D is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION E: Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.

Step 1: Test For Satisfying Criterion E The PHYSICAL FABRIC of the place/object clearly exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics.

Executive Director’s Response The physical fabric of the Crossman House exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics associated with 1970s residential design including in its material palette, use of natural light, internal garden and pronounced geometric forms. Step 1 of Criterion E is likely to be satisfied. Step 2: State Level Significance Test for Criterion E The aesthetic characteristics are APPRECIATED OR VALUED by the wider community or an appropriately-related discipline as evidenced, for example, by: • critical recognition of the aesthetic characteristics of the place/object within a relevant art, design, architectural or related discipline as an outstanding example within Victoria; or • wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit in Victoria in medium such as songs, poetry, literature, painting, sculpture, publications, print media etc.

Executive Director’s Response The aesthetic characteristics of Crossman House are appreciated by groups with a particular interest in late twentieth century architecture. The house was the subject of a Belle magazine article in 1978 and is mentioned (although not highlighted) in the major publication about Borland’s work. However, the house’s aesthetic characteristics have not received critical recognition in relevant design or architectural disciplines as an outstanding example in Victoria or wide public acknowledgement of exceptional merit. Criterion E is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

CRITERION F: Importance in demonstrating a high degree of creative or technical achievement at a particular period.

Step 1: A Test For Satisfying Criterion F The place/object contains PHYSICAL EVIDENCE that clearly demonstrates creative or technical ACHIEVEMENT for the time in which it was created. plus The physical evidence demonstrates a HIGH DEGREE OF INTEGRITY.

Executive Director’s Response The Crossman House was designed by a prominent architect and exhibits high-quality design characteristics. However, its design vocabulary and construction techniques were well established by the time of the house’s construction the late 1970s. The place does not contain physical evidence which clearly demonstrates creative or technical achievement for the era of its construction. Step 1 of Criterion F is not likely to be satisfied.

CRITERION G: Strong or special association with a particular present-day community or cultural group for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

Step 1: Test For Satisfying Criterion G Evidence exists of a community or cultural group. (A community or cultural group is a group of people who share a common interest, including an experience, purpose, belief system, culture, ethnicity or values.) plus Evidence exists of a strong attachment between the COMMUNITY OR CULTURAL GROUP and the place/object in the present-day context. plus Evidence exists of a time depth to that attachment.

Executive Director’s Response The Crossman House is acknowledged by groups with a shared interest in twentieth-century architecture and the work of prominent post-war architects such as Kevin Borland. However, there is no strong attachment between the place and any community or cultural group as evidenced by regular or long-term use or engagement of the place. Step 1 of Criterion G is not likely to be satisfied.

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CRITERION H: Special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in Victoria’s history.

Step 1: Test For Satisfying Criterion H The place/object has a DIRECT ASSOCIATION with a person or group of persons who have made a strong or influential CONTRIBUTION to the course of Victoria’s history. plus The ASSOCIATION of the place/object to the person(s) IS EVIDENT in the physical fabric of the place/object and/or in documentary resources and/or oral history. plus The ASSOCIATION: • directly relates to ACHIEVEMENTS of the person(s) at, or relating to, the place/object; or • relates to an enduring and/or close INTERACTION between the person(s) and the place/object.

Executive Director’s Response The Crossman House has a direct association with architect Kevin Borland, who made a strong and influential contribution to the course of Victoria’s history through his impact on architecture from the 1950s to the 1990s. The association is evident in the physical fabric of the place and in documentary resources. This association directly relates to the achievements of Borland. The place also relates to its commissioning owners, the Crossmans, and to its long-term owner and resident, Dr Jack Wodack. Although both have a direct association with the place neither could be said to have made a strong or influential contribution to the course of Victoria’s history. Step 1 of Criterion H is likely to be satisfied.

Step 2: State Level Significance Test For Criterion H The place/object allows the clear association with the person or group of persons to be READILY APPRECIATED BETTER THAN MOST OTHER PLACES OR OBJECTS IN VICTORIA.

Executive Director’s Response Borland designed numerous residential and non-residential buildings across Victoria. The special association with Borland’s achievements can be readily appreciated through places like Preshil Junior School (VHR H0072) and Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre (VHR H0069) which are award-winning, well known works for which he received widespread recognition and which exemplify his skill and creativity as an architect. Criterion H is not likely to be satisfied at the State level.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Comparisons

1960s/70s residences included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR)

David Godsell House, Beaumaris (VHR H2379)

The David Godsell House is of architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It was designed by eminent architect David Godsell as his own family home. Largely constructed in 1960, it also includes major additions from the late 1960s and 1970s. It is a notable example of post-war Modern residential architecture in Victoria. It is thoughtfully designed and detailed, containing a skilful interplay of stepping horizontal roof and floor planes which integrate harmoniously with its sloping site. It has received critical recognition within many design and architectural publications.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Heide II, Templestowe (VHR H1494)

Heide II in Templestowe is of heritage significance to the State of Victoria. Designed by David McGlashan of architectural firm McGlashan & Everist, it was constructed in 1967 as a ‘gallery that could be lived in’ for arts patrons John and Sunday Reed. The building is regarded as one of the finest contemporary houses in Victoria. It demonstrates the skilful distillation of several themes in post-war modernism and was awarded the RAIA (Victorian Chapter) Bronze Medal in 1968. The house is integrated into a garden landscape that is of aesthetic

significance in its own right. The Reed’s lived there for 12 years before it became a public gallery and the place is of historical significance for its association with the Reed’s and the development of Modernism in Victoria.

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Baker House, Long Forest (VHR H2118) The Baker House group is of architectural significance to the State of Victoria. Michael and Rosemary Baker commissioned Robin Boyd to design the house in 1966 for their bush block near Bacchus Marsh. Boyd designed the additional Dower house for the site in 1968. In the 1970s, Roy Grounds designed a library to house the Bakers’ book collection. The place is of State-level cultural heritage significance as a cohesive group of buildings that are a fine example of the work of two of Victoria’s most prominent architects. The Baker and the Dower house, are particularly innovative examples of the architects’ work.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Winter Park Cluster Housing, Doncaster (VHR H1345) The Winter Park Cluster Housing in Doncaster is of State-level cultural heritage significance. The consists of twenty detached houses constructed between 1970 and 1974 designed by celebrated architect Graeme Gunn for Merchant Builders. The place is of architectural significance as a prototype attempt to provide an alternative to the traditional ‘quarter acre’ suburban subdivision. The houses are sensitively integrated with gardens and landscape deigned by prominent landscape designer Ellis Stones. In 1975 the Winter Park development received a citation in the Royal Australian Institute of Architect's Housing Awards.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Solar House, Templestowe (VHR H1312) The Solar House, Templestowe, is of historical, architectural and technical significance to Victoria. Constructed in 1978-79, it was the first commercially available solar energy project house in Australia and represents emerging concerns with fossil fuel use and its environmental impacts. The house is significant for its energy efficient design characteristics which were highly innovative at the time. The house, designed by Cocks and Carmichael, won several awards, including RAIA citations in 1980 for new housing and energy efficient buildings.

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Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Buildings designed by Kevin Borland in the VHR

Rice House, Eltham (VHR H0123)

The Rice House in Eltham is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It comprises two concrete structures designed by Borland in 1951 and constructed in 1953-54. The house was commissioned by Harrie and Lorna Rice and was the first residential work of Borland’s to be constructed. In 1973 Borland designed the carport and extension of the kitchen area at the rear southern side of the main structure which is sympathetic to the design and siting of the original house. Both structures retain original fittings and built in furniture designed by Borland.

It is of State-level architectural significance as the earliest and most intact example of the Ctesiphon arch system of construction in Victoria and as an outstanding example of the experimental character of post-war Modernist architecture.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Olympic Swimming Stadium, Melbourne (VHR H1977)

The Olympic Swimming Stadium in Melbourne is of historical, architectural and technological significance to the State of Victoria. Architects Kevin Borland, Peter McIntyre, John and Phyllis Murphy and engineer Bill Irwin completed the design for the Olympic Swimming Pool in Melbourne in response to a competition held in 1952. Construction began in October 1954 and the building was completed in 1956. It was a focus of activity during the 1956 Olympics and is the only major stadium from the event to survive. It is of architectural significance as a

prominent and influential landmark of post-war architecture. It is also significant as an early example of pre-tensioned steel construction.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Preshil Junior School, Kew (VHR H0072)

The Preshil Junior School is of cultural heritage significance at a State level. In 1960, Preshil, a progressive school, commissioned Borland to design a school hall for their Kew site. Borland and his practice designed five more buildings for the site over the next twelve years. As a cohesive group the buildings are highly experimental in design, having irregular forms and angles created with complex, precise joinery that provides a variety of internal and external spaces. Borland utilised a participatory approach that included students in the design process. In 1972 Borland was awarded an RAIA Victorian chapter Bronze medal for the school buildings. In 2003 the school was included as one of the thirty-seven best projects in Victoria to have been awarded RAIA medals.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre, Glen Iris (VHR H0069) The Harold Holt Swimming Centre was constructed in 1969 and is of architectural significance to Victoria, being amongst the most notable, expressive, early and intact examples of the Brutalist movement that emerged in Victoria in the late-1960s. It was designed by Borland and Daryl Jackson and deftly represents both the aesthetic and ethical imperatives of the Brutalist style. The bold articulation of forms in textured off-form concrete and concrete blocks and glass, provides a sculptural form which is fundamental to Brutalist architecture. Its emphasis on circulation elements (the use of expressed ramps and stairs) and the articulation of the functional systems (ramps, skylights, service ducts) reflect Brutalism’s ethical concern with social responsiveness. Both architects went on to design other notable Brutalist buildings in Victoria.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Former Clyde Cameron College, Wodonga (VHR H2192)

The Former Clyde Cameron College was constructed in 1976–77 as a residential training college for trade unions and is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. It is a major work by Borland who led the design team, Architects Group. The Former Clyde Cameron College is of architectural significance as a highly creative and largely intact example of the late twentieth-century Brutalist style. The design illustrates key elements of the Brutalist ethos of honest use of materials with the use of unpainted off-form concrete showing formwork patterns, concrete blockwork, heavy timber trusses, and exposed services. It is of historical significance for its association with the Trade Union movement and the Whitlam government. In 2008 the former Clyde Cameron College received the 25 Year-Award for Enduring Architecture from the Australian Institute of Architects Victorian Architecture awards

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Summary of Comparisons

Late twentieth-century residential architecture in the VHR Several 1960s-70s architect designed residences are included in the VHR. They represent highly regarded residential work of prominent architects such as David Godsell, David McGlashin, Roy Grounds and Robin Boyd. Several, including Heide II (VHR H1494), have been awarded RAIA medals. Others, such as the David Godsell House (VHR H2379) have received other forms of critical recognition. They represent a selection of the finest and most influential residential works in Victoria of the period and are indicative of the stylistic variety within the class. The Crossman House has not received the same degree of recognition and cannot be considered to be of equivalent architectural value. The Winter Park Cluster Housing (VHR H1345) and Solar House (VHR H1312) have historical and technical significance in addition to their architectural significance. These places demonstrate advances in the approach to residential design underway in the 1970s that the Crossman House does not.

Buildings designed by Kevin Borland in the VHR Five examples of Kevin Borland’s work are currently included in the VHR. These include some of his most substantial, influential and highly regarded public and educational commissions. Buildings such as the Harold Holt Memorial Swimming Centre (VHR H0069) are not just important examples of Borland’s work but are notable examples of their architectural approach in Victoria. The Rice House (VHR H0123) is the only residential work of Borland’s currently included in the VHR and is notable as Borland’s first constructed commission, and for its highly inventive design that characterises the architectural experimentation of the 1950s. Borland’s later residential work is some of his most highly regarded and it is not currently represented in the VHR. However, the Crossman House is not the most influential or highly regarded example of his mature residential designs and does not best represent the achievements of this stage of his career.

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

Appendix 1

Heritage Council of Victoria determination (section 41) The Heritage Council of Victoria is an independent statutory body that will make a determination on this recommendation under section 49 of the Act. It will consider the recommendation after a period of 60 days from the date the notice of recommendation is published on its website under section 41.

Making a submission to the Heritage Council (section 44) Within the period of 60 days, any person or body with a real and substantial interest in the place or object may make a submission to the Heritage Council regarding the recommendation and request a hearing in relation to that submission. Information about making a submission and submission forms are available on the Heritage Council’s website.

Consideration of submissions to the Heritage Council (section 46) (1) The Heritage Council must consider— (a) any written submission made to it under section 44; and (b) any further information provided to the Heritage Council in response to a request under section 45. (2) The Heritage Council must conduct a hearing in relation to a submission if— (a) the submission includes a request for a hearing before the Heritage Council; and (b) the submission is made by a person or body with a real or substantial interest in the place or object that is the subject of the submission. (3) Despite subsection (2), the Heritage Council may conduct a hearing in relation to a submission in any other circumstances the Heritage Council considers appropriate.

Determinations of the Heritage Council (section 49) (1) After considering a recommendation that a place or object should or should not be included in the Heritage Register and any submissions in respect of the recommendation and conducting any hearing into the submissions, the Heritage Council may— (a) determine that the place or part of the place, or object, is of State-level cultural heritage significance and is to be included in the Heritage Register; or (b) determine that the place or part of the place, or object, is not of State-level cultural heritage significance and is not to be included in the Heritage Register; or (c) in the case of a recommendation in respect of a place, determine that the place is not to be included in the Heritage Register but— (i) refer the recommendation and any submissions to the relevant planning authority for consideration for an amendment to a planning scheme; or (ii) determine that it is more appropriate for steps to be taken under the Planning and Environment Act 1987 or by any other means to protect or conserve the place; or (d) in the case of a recommendation in respect of additional land which has been nominated to be included in the Heritage Register as part of a registered place in accordance with section 32, determine that the land be included in the Heritage Register if—

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

(i) the State-level cultural heritage significance of the place would be substantially less if the land or any part of the land which is or has been used in conjunction with the place were developed; or (ii) the land surrounding the place is important to the protection or conservation of the place or contributes to the understanding of the place; or (e) determine that the object is integral to understanding the cultural heritage significance of a registered place or a place the Heritage Council has determined to be included in the Heritage Register. (2) The Heritage Council must make a determination under subsection (1)— (a) within 40 days after the date on which written submissions may be made under section 44; or (b) if any hearing is conducted into the written submissions, within 90 days after the completion of the hearing. (3) A determination that a place or part of a place, or object, should be included in the Heritage Register may include categories of works or activities which may be carried out in relation to the place or object for which a permit under this Act is not required, if the Heritage Council considers that the works or activities would not harm the cultural heritage significance of the place or object. (4) If the Heritage Council determines to include a place in the Heritage Register, with the consent of the owner of the place, the Heritage Council may determine to include in the Heritage Register additional land of the owner that is ancillary to the place. (5) If a member of the Heritage Council makes a submission under section 44 in respect of a recommendation, the member must not take part in the consideration or determination of the Heritage Council. (6) The Heritage Council must notify the Executive Director of any determination under this section as soon as practicable after the determination.

Obligations of owners of places and objects (section 42) (1) The owner of a place or object to whom a statement of recommendation has been given must advise the Executive Director in writing of— (a) any works or activities that are being carried out in relation to the place or object at the time the statement is given; and (b) any application for a planning permit or a building permit, or for an amendment to that permit, that has been made in relation to the place but not determined at the time the statement is given; and (c) any works or activities that are proposed to be carried out in relation to the place or object at the time the statement is given. (2) An advice under subsection (1) must be given within 10 days after the statement of recommendation is given under section 40. (3) The owner of a place to whom a statement of recommendation has been given must advise the Executive Director in writing of an application, permit or amendment if, before a determination under section 49 or 52 in respect of a place— (a) an application for a planning permit or a building permit or for an amendment to that permit in relation to the place is made; or (b) a planning permit or building permit or an amendment to that permit in relation to the place is granted. (4) An advice under subsection (3) must be given within 10 days after the making of the application or the grant of the permit or amendment. (5) The owner of a place or object to whom a statement of recommendation has been given must advise the Executive Director in writing of the following activities or proposals if, before a determination is made under section 49 or 52 in respect of a place or object— (a) any activities are carried out in relation to the place or object that could harm the place or object;

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Statement of recommendation from the

Executive Director, Heritage Victoria to the Heritage Council of Victoria

(b) any activities are proposed to be carried out in relation to the place or object that could harm the place or object. (6) An advice under subsection (5) must be given within 10 days after the owner becomes aware of the activity or the proposal, as the case requires. (7) If, before a determination is made under section 49 or 52 in respect of a place or object, a proposal is made to dispose of the whole or any part of the place or object, the owner of the place or object must advise the Executive Director in writing of that proposal. (8) An advice under subsection (7) must be given at least 10 days before entering into the contract for the disposal of the place or object. (9) The owner of a place or object who proposes to dispose of the whole or any part of the place or object before a determination is made under section 49 or 52 in respect of the place or object must, before entering into a contract for that disposal, give a copy of the statement of proposed contract, is to acquire the place or object or part of the place or object.

Owners of places and objects must comply with obligations (section 43) An owner of a place or object to whom section 42 applies must comply with that section.

Penalty: In the case of a natural person, 120 penalty units; In the case of a body corporate, 240 penalty units.

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