Recommendation of the Executive Director and Assessment of Cultural Heritage Significance Under Part 3, Division 3 of the Heritage Act 2017

Recommendation of the Executive Director and assessment of cultural heritage significance under Part 3, Division 3 of the Heritage Act 2017

Name Brett House Location 3 Buddle Drive, Toorak, City of Stonnington Provisional VHR Number PROV VHR H2396 Provisional VHR Category Registered Place Hermes Number 202505 Existing Heritage Overlay No

Brett House (August, 2019)

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION TO THE HERITAGE COUNCIL:  That Brett House be included as a Registered Place in the Victorian Heritage Register under the Heritage Act 2017 [Section 37(1)(a)].

STEVEN AVERY Executive Director Recommendation Date: 16 September 2019 Advertising Period: 20 September 2019 – 18 November 2019

This recommendation report has been issued by the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria under s.37 of the Heritage Act 2017.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

EXTENT OF NOMINATION

Date that the nomination was accepted by the Executive Director 13 March 2019

Written extent of nomination To title boundaries (Volume 8083, Folio 122)

Nomination extent diagram

Is the extent of nomination the same as the recommended extent? Yes.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

RECOMMENDED REGISTRATION All of the place shown hatched on Diagram 2396 encompassing part of Lot 5 on Lodged Plan 30417.

The recommended extent of registration of the Brett House in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) affects the whole place shown on Diagram 2396 including all the land, buildings and other features.

The registration also includes all fittings and fixtures attached to the building at the time of registration.

RATIONALE FOR EXTENT The extent includes the cadastral block to the boundary of Buddle Drive (a small part of Lot 5 extends to the opposite side of Buddle Drive). This includes the significant residence and provides sufficient land to protect the cultural heritage significance of the place. AERIAL PHOTO OF THE PLACE SHOWING PROPOSED REGISTRATION

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

BACKGROUND WHAT IS AT THE PLACE? The Brett House is situated on a flat block on short cul-de-sac in Toorak. It is a compact, two-storey home constructed of light-grey concrete brick. The house faces west and looks over the Yarra River. It is symmetrically composed and built to a rectangular plan with a balcony and extended eave to the front elevation. It has four regularly spaced openings on each level of the street facing elevation, framed by narrow columns. The ground floor interior includes a lounge room, kitchen, dining room and bathroom. The main ground floor rooms contain French doors which open on to garden areas. The kitchen contains original cupboards, countertops, door pulls and a roller blind. Bagged brickwork, painted white, features in the lounge room. A largely original timber stair and timber lined stairwell leads to the first floor. The first-floor landing overlooks the rear garden through a continuous row of casement windows. It contains a study nook of original timber joinery. A small bedroom is adjacent to the study nook. Two additional bedrooms open on to the balcony. There is also a refurbished bathroom on the first floor. The small rear yard includes areas of crazy paving, lawn and stands of bamboo and other shrubs. There is a non-original detached car port to the rear.

WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE PLACE? In 1954, Sheila and Alan Brett acquired the newly subdivided site on Buddle Drive on their move to Melbourne from Adelaide. The Brett’s commissioned Robin Boyd, who was then part of a practice with Roy Grounds and Frederick Romberg, to design the new house for the site. Georgian Revival was a popular style in the suburb, and the Brett’s called on Boyd to design them a contemporary home with a Georgian sensibility. The house was constructed by Clissolds of South Melbourne and completed in 1955. The Brett’s sold the property in 1959 and it was owned by the Owens family from 1960-78. The Owens carried out minor changes such as replacing the looped chain to the balcony with the current balustrade. The property was purchased by Marian and Ken Scarlett in 1978 who still reside in the property as at 2019.

WHO ARE THE TRADITIONAL OWNERS/REGISTERED ABORIGINAL PARTY(IES) FOR THIS PLACE? This site is part of the traditional land of the people of the Kulin Nation. Traditional owners have not been formally recognised for this area.

STATEMENT OF CULTURAL HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE WHAT IS SIGNIFICANT? The Brett House including all of the residence (interior and exterior) and 1950s finishes, fixtures and fittings including the crazy-paved porch at the front door. The car port to the rear was added at a later date and is not significant.

HOW IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The Brett House is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:

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

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

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

WHY IS IT SIGNIFICANT? The Brett House is significant at the State level for the following reasons:

The Brett House is historically significant for its clear association with the development of post-war domestic architecture in Victoria. It is a fine example of an architect designed home from the era. This is demonstrated through the skilful combination of both Modernist and more conventional influences in the house’s design. It was designed by Robin Boyd, one of Australia’s most prominent and influential architects and architectural writers. [Criterion A]

The Brett House is architecturally significant as a notable example of a post-war Modernist residence. It displays a range of characteristics that are typical of the class, including its compact size, restrained design, rectilinear form, connection to the outdoors and highlighting of timber joinery and brickwork in the interior. The Brett House is notable for its distinctive Modernist interpretation of the Georgian Revival home. It displays the skilful response of a renowned architect to client requirements for a domestic commission. [Criterion D]

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

RECOMMENDATION REASONS

REASONS FOR RECOMMENDING INCLUSION IN THE VICTORIAN HERITAGE REGISTER [s.40] Following is the Executive Director's assessment of the place against the tests set out in The Victorian Heritage Register Criteria and Thresholds Guidelines.

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

STEP 1: A 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 Brett House has a clear association with the development of domestic architecture in Victoria in the post-war period. This is evident in the design of the house, which exhibits a Modern reinterpretation of established Georgian design principles. The house was designed by Robin Boyd, one of Australia’s most influential architects and architectural writers. The place has been well documented and recorded and this association is also evident in documentary resources.

During the 1950s, new forms of architectural design were growing in popularity in Victoria. Domestic architecture was a realm in which much architectural experimentation occurred. This led to important changes to house design and to the built environment more broadly. This has made a strong and influential contribution to Victoria’s history. Boyd was central to this movement.

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 The Brett House is a fine example of post-war domestic architecture in Victoria. Many thousands of new homes were designed and built in Victoria in the 1950s. Few exhibit the integration of emerging Modernist principles with more conventional modes of design so skilfully. The Brett House enables the development of post-war domestic architecture to be understood better that most other places in Victoria with this association.

Criterion A is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

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

STEP 1: A 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 Brett House has a clear association with the development of domestic architecture in Victoria in the post-war period, a phase of historical importance. This association is evident in the physical fabric of the place and in documentary evidence. There were thousands of homes designed and constructed during the 1950s and many remain today. The Brett House is not rare or uncommon and is not in a class which is endangered. It exhibits a distinctive integration of Modernist and Georgian Revival influences, but this is best examined under Criterion D.

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: A 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 Brett House contains physical evidence of historical interest that is not currently visible or understood. The form, function and historical interest is clearly evident in the

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

fabric of the place and it is well documented. There is unlikely to be any archaeological evidence associated with the cultural heritage significance of the place.

Criterion C is not likely to be satisfied.

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

STEP 1: A 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 Brett House is of the class of post-war Modernist residence. This class has a clear association with the development of domestic architecture in Victoria in the post-war period, a phase of historical importance. The principal characteristics of the class are evident in the place, including in its:

 Restrained design and lightness of structure  Use of geometry in design and rectilinear form  Compact size  Highlighting of timber joinery and brickwork in the interior  Skillion roof  Connection to the outdoors  Responsiveness to the site and its context.

The Georgian Revival influences on the design, such as its restraint, symmetry, regular fenestration and use of columns, are not principal characteristics of the class but are of interest as part of the bespoke design of the place.

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 Under the definitions provided in Reference Tool D, the Brett House can be considered as a notable example of its class because it is a fine and highly intact example.

Fine  The Brett House displays a range of characteristics that is typical of the class, as indicated in Step 1.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

 The characteristics are of a higher quality than are typical of places in the class. There were thousands of Modernist influenced houses constructed during the 1950s but few were designed with such consideration.  The Brett House is notable for its distinctive Modernist interpretation of the Georgian Revival home. It displays the response of a skilful architect to the requirements of a client on a domestic commission.  The Brett House displays the principal characteristics of the class in a way that allows the class to be easily understood and appreciated.

Intactness The Brett House displays characteristics of the class (as described above) that remain mostly unchanged from when it was constructed in 1955. Its intactness allows its fine characteristics to be easily understood and appreciated.

Criterion D is likely to be satisfied at the State level.

CRITERION E Importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristics.

STEP 1: A 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 Brett House exhibits particular aesthetic characteristics associated with both Modernist and Georgian Revival influences. These are exhibited in its highly resolved design.

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 Brett House has been shown to be appreciated by people and groups with an interest in Modernist architecture. It has also received recognition within relevant architectural surveys such as Philip Goad’s Melbourne Architecture. It is generally included in these surveys as an interesting example of Boyd’s work from this era, rather than in particular recognition of its high aesthetic value.

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

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

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 Brett House exhibits design and construction techniques that were well established by the period of its construction. It does not demonstrate a high degree of creative or technical achievement.

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: A BASIC 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 Brett House is acknowledged by groups with a shared interest in 1950s architecture and the work of Robin Boyd. There is no strong attachment between the place and any group as evidenced by regular or long-term use or engagement of the place.

Criterion G is not likely to be satisfied.

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

STEP 1: A 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.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

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 Brett House has a direct association with Robin Boyd, who has made a strong and influential contribution to the course of Victoria’s history through his architecture, writing and criticism. The association is evident in the physical fabric of the place and in documentary resources. This association directly relates to the achievements of Boyd.

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 Robin Boyd designed over 100 homes in Victoria and interstate. Many places could be said to exhibit a clear association with Boyd and his achievements. The special association with Boyd’s life, work and achievements can be most readily appreciated at places like Robin Boyd House II (VHR H2105) which both exemplify his achievements and where he and his family lived and with which he had an enduring and close interaction.

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

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

PROPOSED PERMIT POLICY

Preamble The purpose of the Permit Policy is to assist when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.

The extent of registration of the Brett House in the VHR affects the whole place shown on Diagram 2396 including the land and buildings (exteriors and interiors). Under the Heritage Act 2017 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future.

If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.

Permits are required for anything which alters the place, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works or works to the elements of the place. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.38 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.92 of the Heritage Act). It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.

Conservation management plans It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner which respects its cultural heritage significance.

Aboriginal cultural heritage If any Aboriginal cultural heritage is discovered or exposed at any time it is necessary to immediately contact Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.

Other approvals Please be aware that approval from other authorities (such as local government) may be required to undertake works.

Archaeology Any works that may affect historical archaeological features, deposits or artefacts at the place is likely to require a permit, permit exemption or consent. Advice should be sought from the Archaeology Team at Heritage Victoria.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

Cultural heritage significance Overview of significance The cultural heritage significance of the Brett House lies in the residence (interior and exterior) and its finishes, fittings and fixtures which remain intact from the era of its construction including the crazy-paved porch at the front door. The garden has evolved in the decades since the residence’s construction and although it is sympathetic is not significant. The car port was added at a later date and is not significant.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EXEMPTED WORKS OR ACTIVITIES (PERMIT EXEMPTIONS) It should be noted that Permit Exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.38 of the Heritage Act). Permit Exemptions can also be applied for and granted after registration (under s.92 of the Heritage Act).

Under s.38 of the Heritage Act 2017 the Executive Director may include in his recommendation categories of works or activities which may be carried out in relation to the place or object without the need for a permit under Part 5 of the Act. The Executive Director must not make a recommendation for any categories of works or activities if he considers that the works or activities may harm the cultural heritage significance of the place or object. The following permit exemptions are not considered to cause harm to the cultural heritage significance of the Brett House.

General Condition 1 All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.

General Condition 2 Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible.

General Condition 3 All works should ideally be informed by a Conservation Management Plan prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan.

General Condition 4 Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.

General Condition 5 Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the relevant responsible authority, where applicable.

Specific Permit Exemptions

Residence General • Minor patching, repair and maintenance which replaces like with like without large-scale removal of or damage to the existing fabric or the large-scale introduction of new materials. Repairs must maximise protection and retention of fabric and include the conservation of existing details or elements. Any new materials used for repair must not exacerbate the decay of existing fabric due to chemical incompatibility obscure existing fabric or limit access to existing fabric for future maintenance. • Repairs and maintenance to heating and air conditioning services. • Emergency building stabilisation (including propping) necessary to secure safety where a site feature has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and represents a safety risk.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

Exterior  Removal of extraneous items such as pipe work, wiring, antennae and aerials.  Localised repairs to roof to prevent ingress of water.  Painting of previously painted surfaces provided that preparation or painting does not remove all evidence of the original paint.

Interior  Painting of previously painted walls and ceilings provided that preparation or painting does not remove evidence of all original paint schemes (no currently unpainted surfaces are to be painted).  Installation, removal or replacement of non-original floor coverings.  Installation, removal or replacement of non-original curtains and other window furnishings.  Installation, removal or replacement of devices for hanging artworks and the like.  Works to maintain or refurbish existing bathrooms, including installing new appliances, retiling and the like.  Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring provided that all new wiring is fully concealed and any original light switches or power outlets are retained in-situ.  Removal of stairlift and making good.

Car port All works specified for the Residence, plus:  All works to the interior.  Removal.

Landscape  The processes of gardening, including mowing, pruning, disease and weed control, maintenance to care for existing plants and planting of new plants.  Subsurface works involving the installation, removal or replacement of watering and drainage systems or services.  Works and activities associated with the management of possums and vermin.  Maintenance and care of trees and removal or pruning of dead or dangerous trees to maintain safety.  Maintenance and repair of existing paving and other hard landscaping elements, like for like.  Maintenance and repair of existing fences and gates.

RELEVANT INFORMATION Local Government Authority City of Stonnington Heritage Overlay No Other Overlays Design and Development Overlay Significant Landscape Overlay Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register The property is in an area of Aboriginal cultural heritage sensitivity associated with the Yarra River. Aboriginal cultural heritage has been recorded in the vicinity. Other Listings No Other Names Brett House (Former) Scarlett House

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

HISTORY

Post-war domestic architecture By the mid-1950s, after a period of post-war austerity, the Victorian economy was recovering and a building boom was underway. This occurred in tandem with cultural developments in a many creative fields. This was influenced by pre- and post-war European immigration and also by Australian born artists, architects, and designers seeking to create a modern Australian identity. In architecture, various forms of modern architecture were being adopted. These experiments were eloquently explored in the design of new private homes. Approaches to domestic living were changing, with a new casualness and positivity expressing itself through open plan living. Design increasingly responded to the Australian landscape and climate, with outdoors and indoors increasingly integrated. Innovative design and construction approaches were being explored by people like Robin Boyd, Roy Grounds, Peter McIntyre, Kevin Borland and Neil Clerehan. Many of these figures published widely and their ideas became both influential and fashionable, achieving a widespread popularity that has left a lasting legacy on Victoria’s built environment.

Grounds, Romberg and Boyd Roy Grounds, Frederick Romberg and Robin Boyd established a joint practice in 1953. They quickly built a reputation as one of the most innovative architectural practices in Australia. Despite establishing the practice in an effort to gain larger commissions, domestic projects formed a substantial proportion of the firm’s work. Many of the practice’s domestic commissions were fine and creative designs. Larger commissions did follow, and designs for the ETA Factory (VHR H1916), The Black Dolphin Motor Inn in Merimbula and the Australian Academy of Science Building in Canberra were produced. The partnership dissolved in 1962 after the departure of Grounds to work on the Victorian Arts Centre and National Gallery of Victoria. Although the partnership was relatively short lived, it was an influential convergence of three of the era’s best architects.

Robin Boyd Robin Boyd trained in architecture at Melbourne Technical College and Melbourne University before becoming an assistant to Roy Grounds. He maintained an involvement in architectural interests while serving during World War II. In 1946, Boyd became Director of the Small Homes Service. He founded his own practice in 1947 and began designing a series of innovative family homes, including his own. Between 1953-62 he worked as part of Grounds, Romberg and Boyd, concentrating on the firm’s domestic commissions. He published extensively and influentially throughout his professional life and developed a national and international profile. He was a key exponent of progressive modern architecture and design to the Australian context.

The Brett House Sheila and Alan Brett acquired the newly subdivided site on Buddle Drive in 1954 on their move to Melbourne from Adelaide. The Brett’s commissioned Boyd to design the new house for the site. Georgian Revival was a popular style in the suburb, and the Brett’s called on Boyd to design them a Modern reinterpretation of Georgian house. The house was constructed by Clissolds of South Melbourne. The Brett’s sold the property in 1959 and it was owned by the Owens family from 1960- 78. The Owens carried out minor changes such as replacing the looped chain to the balcony with the current balustrade. The property was purchased by Marian and Ken Scarlett in 1978 who still reside in the property.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

CONSTRUCTION DETAILS Architect name: Robin Boyd Architectural style name: Post-war modernist Builder name: Clissolds Construction started date: 1954 Construction ended date: 1955

VICTORIAN HISTORICAL THEMES

06 Building towns, cities and the garden state 6.3 Shaping the suburbs 6.7 Making homes for Victorians

09 Shaping cultural and creative life 9.3 Achieving design and artistic distinction

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION The Brett House is situated on a flat block on a short cul-de-sac in Toorak. It is a compact, two-storey home symmetrically composed and built to a rectangular plan. The house faces west and looks over the Yarra River. It stands behind a low fence and stand of silver birches. A crazy-paved porch extends across the front elevation. The front elevation has four regularly spaced openings to each level, framed by narrow columns. It is constructed of concrete bricks in a pale grey colour. The interior ground floor includes lounge room, kitchen, dining room and bathroom. All main rooms on the ground floor include doorways that open on the either the front or rear garden. The kitchen contains original cupboards, countertops, door pulls and roller blind. Bagged brickwork, painted white, features in the lounge room. A largely original timber stair and timber lined stair well leads to the first floor. The landing overlooks the rear garden through a continuous row of casement windows. It contains a study nook with original timber joinery. A small bedroom is adjacent to the study nook. Two additional bedrooms have access to the balcony. A refurbished bathroom is also found on the first floor. The small rear yard includes areas of crazy paving, lawn and stand of bamboo and other shrubs. There is a non-original detached car port to the rear.

INTEGRITY/INTACTNESS Intactness – The intactness of the place is excellent. There have been very few changes to the place since it was constructed. The small number of changes that have been made are sensitive and are well documented and understood. These include the removal of the original circular planters to the front porch, removal of an original garage to the north elevation and replacement of the original chain with a balustrade on the balcony. Areas often subject to change, such as the kitchen, remain highly intact. The bathrooms are the only area that has been substantially updated. (August 2019).

Integrity – The integrity of the place is excellent. The cultural heritage values of the place can be easily read in the extant fabric (August 2019).

CONDITION The place is in excellent condition. It has been well maintained since its construction (August 2019).

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

COMPARISONS Residences designed by Robin Boyd in the VHR

Robin Boyd House II, South Yarra (VHR H2105) The Robin Boyd II House, Walsh Street, South Yarra is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. Boyd, built the house for his family on a narrow, sloping block of land in 1958. The house features open plan living areas, courtyards, and an ‘introverted’ orientation. This house was the second Boyd designed for his family, the first being built at 158 (now 664-666) Riversdale Road, Camberwell in 1946 (VHR H0879). Robin Boyd II House is of architectural significance as one of the most innovative houses built in Victoria in the post-war decades and as one of the most important houses designed by Boyd.

Robin Boyd House II (VHR H2105)

Former Robin Boyd House, Camberwell (VHR H0879) The Former Robin Boyd House in Camberwell is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. Boyd designed the residence as his home, and resided there between 1946-58. It is the earliest known extant residence designed by Boyd. The house demonstrates the architectural development of Boyd and its design is innovative for its response to site, informality in planning, flowing spatial arrangements, use of materials and incorporation of built-in features. These are all aspects of domestic design which have now become common.

Former Robin Boyd House (VHR H0879)

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

Inge and Grahame King House, Warrandyte (VHR H1313) The Grahame and Inge King house is of historical and architectural significance to the State of Victoria. The Kings, both artists, designed the house in collaboration with Boyd in 1951. It is of architectural significance as an early work of Boyd’s. The King house is one of a group of about twenty small, low-budget houses designed during Boyd's experimental, style-forming period (1949- 52). Like the other houses constructed during this period, the King house demonstrates Boyd's central concept for the relationship between internal and external house and site, his use of extensive glazing, modular grid construction and eagerness to adopt new materials and methods. The house is also of historical significance for as the home of prominent artists Inge and Grahame King.

Inge and Grahame King House (VHR H1313)

Baker House, Long Forest (VHR H2118) The Baker House comprises a group of three buildings and is of architectural significance to the State of Victoria. Michael and Rosemary Baker commissioned Robin Boyd to design the house in 1964 on a bush block near Bacchus Marsh. It comprises a group of buildings, some designed by Boyd and others by Roy Grounds. The two buildings designed by Boyd, the Baker and the Dower house, are particularly innovative examples of the architect’s work.

Baker House (VHR H2118)

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

Clemson House, Kew (VHR H2006) The Clemson House is of architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It was designed by Boyd for the Clemson family and was constructed in 1959-60. The house clearly reflects some of the major design themes of Boyd’s work, including the strong controlling idea of the dwelling stepped down under a single sloping V roof, the clear expression of structure in the scissor frames, and the specificity of the solution to the steep bush block and the clients' living requirements.

Clemson House, Kew (VHR H2006)

1950s residences designed by other architects in the VHR

Grant House, Beaumaris (VHR H2392) The Grant House is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. It is a residence in Beaumaris designed by architect Peter McIntyre with input from engineer Bill Irwin. It is historically significant for its clear association with post-war residential development in Victoria and is a fine example of a small-scale Modernist house. It is inventive in its design and planning, both of which were a response to the post-war scarcity of building materials. It is architecturally significant as a notable example of an innovative solution to the challenge of providing affordable post-war housing.

Grant House (VHR H2392)

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

McCraith House (Larrakeyeah), Dromana (VHR H1906) The McCraith House is of architectural significance to the State of Victoria. It was constructed in 1955, for Ellen and Gerald McCraith and was designed in the office of Mornington Peninsula architects Chancellor and Patrick. The McCraith House is architecturally significant as an example of structurally inspired modernism in Victoria in the 1950's. The McCraith house was used as an example of the 'structural functional' idiom in the architectural journals of the time alongside the works of Robin Boyd, Roy Grounds, Harry Seidler and Peter and Dione McIntyre. The use of a prefabricated structural steel frame of this scale was unusual in domestic construction of the period. The design of the McCraith house displays a creative architectural response in a period when conventional building materials were in limited supply post WW2.

McCraith House (Larrakeyeah) (VHR H1906)

Rice House, Eltham (VHR H0123) The Rice House is of architectural and historical significance to the State of Victoria. It was designed by Kevin Borland and is of architectural significance for its innovative and experimental design and as the most intact example of the use of the ctesiphon system of construction in Victoria. It is an outstanding example of the post-war period of experimentation in domestic architecture in Melbourne that was an outcome of late-Modernism coupled with the post-war shortage of regular building materials that saw the development of a recognisable Melbourne regional style of architecture. This experimentation was characterised by the designs of Robin Boyd, Peter McIntyre, Neil Clerehan, Kevin Borland and others for the Age Small Homes Service (1947-1953). Rice house is of historical significance for its association with Borland whose innovative designs in both domestic and public architecture make him notable amongst the Melbourne architects of the second half of the twentieth century.

Rice House (VHR H0123)

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

Round House, Frankston South (VHR H0966) The Round House (also known as Henty House) is of significance to the State of Victoria. It was constructed in 1953 to a design by Roy Grounds. It significant as an accomplished domestic work by Grounds which demonstrates the architectural interest in simple geometries during the period. These smaller domestic commissions informed the design of some of Ground’s well-known institutional buildings notably the Academy of Science Building in Canberra (1958-59) and the Arts Centre in Melbourne (1959-81).

Round House (VHR H0966)

Snelleman House, Ivanhoe East (VHR H2282) The Snelleman House is of architectural significance to the state of Victoria. It was built in 1954 as a family home for Hans Snelleman to a design by Peter McIntyre who had established his own architectural practice in 1950. It received acclaim at the time of its construction in both architectural and mainstream publications and has since then been considered to be one of the most outstanding houses built in Melbourne in the early post-war period. It was an inventive response to the site, and is an outstanding and intact example of the innovative residential designs produced in Melbourne at this time, when the limited availability of materials resulted in much experimentation with materials and structures by a number of highly individual architects.

Snelleman House (VHR H2282)

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

Grounds House, Toorak (VHR H1963) The Roy Grounds house and flats are of architectural significance to the State of Victoria. Noted architect Roy Grounds (later Sir Roy) designed the front house as a home for himself and his wife Betty. The house in Toorak was widely praised at the time, and won the Victorian Architecture Medal of 1954. It is of architectural significance as one of the most celebrated works of Modernist domestic architecture of the mid-twentieth century in Victoria. The perfectly square plan, with a circular courtyard at its centre, is a striking essay in pure geometry, a hallmark of Ground's work, and one of the best examples of experimentation with geometry in the work of post war avant-garde architects in Victoria.

Grounds House (VHR H1963)

SUMMARY OF COMPARISONS The Brett House provides an interesting comparison to both other Boyd designed residences and other 1950s residences included in the Victorian Heritage Register. The geometric influences on its design have some similarities to the Grounds House (VHR H1963). Although a more modest example, it well represents these influences on the domestic work being produced by contemporaries such as Grounds and Boyd in this era. The Brett House is not as highly experimental as places like the Clemson House (VHR H2006) or Grant House (VHR H2392) or as substantial as places like the Baker House (VHR H2118). By contrast, it is a relatively modest, compact family home that exhibits several conventional aspects to its design. However, its Modernist reinterpretation of the Georgian house is highly skilled and considered. The Brett House demonstrates the diversity of Boyd’s work, his skill in responding to the requirements of clients and ability to call upon a vast design vocabulary in his creation of a functional, modern family home.

KEY REFERENCES USED TO PREPARE ASSESSMENT Transition, no. 38, special issue on Robin Boyd (1992) Clerehen, Neil “Robin Boyd”, Australian Dictionary of Biography http://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/boyd-robin-gerard-9560 Goad, Philip (2009) Melbourne Architecture Goad, Philip and Willis, Julie (2012) Encyclopedia of Australian Architecture Hudson, Nicholas and McEwan, Peter (1986) That’s Our House: A History of Housing in Victoria London, Geoffrey et al (2017) 150 An Unfinished Experiment in Living

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

ADDITIONAL IMAGES

2019, Brett House, viewed from Buddle Drive. 2019, view from Buddle Drive.

2019, rear. 2019, rear.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

2019, detail, rear wall. 2019, driveway.

2019, paved area to rear. 2019, balcony.

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505

HISTORICAL IMAGES

1956, the front porch of Brett House, as photographed by Wolfgang Sievers. Source: State Library of Victoria 1974, Brett House auction notice. Source: The Age

c1960s, rear of Brett House, as photographed by c1960s, Brett House, as photographed by Peter Wille. Peter Wille. Source: State Library of Victoria Source: State Library of Victoria

Name: Brett House Hermes Number: 202505