Holford House

Holford House at 14 Hardy Terrace, designed by Robin Boyd for the Holford family in 1955, is of significance.

How is it significant?

Holford House is of architectural, historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Banyule.

Why is it significant?

The Holford House at 14 Hardy Terrace represents the new wave of architecturally distinctive residential buildings produced inMelbourne in the the 1950s and 60s. Popular with some of Melbourne's more innovative architects the Ivanhoe and Heidelberg areas had sites that appealed to both architects and clients with hilly topography, river views and an abundance of native vegetation. (Criterion A)

The Holford House is architecturally significant as a work by one of Australia's most prominent post-war architects, Robin Boyd. Boyd is recognised as having had a profound influence over modern architecture in Melbourne from the 1940s to the 1970s, and for his role in the partnership of Grounds, Romberg and Boyd. Boyd was also well known as an architectural critic, and in 1960 published the seminal architectural commentary, "The Australian Ugliness", in which he investigated and challenged the Australian suburban aesthetic. His architectural works were simple, functional and stylish and contrasted starkly with the more elaborate "featurism" of Melbourne's suburbs. (Criteria A & H)

Holford House is an excellent example of Boyd's style and displays his characteristically understated design. Like many Boyd Houses, it features large open spaces and a simple refined exterior (with rooms wrapped around a courtyard.The size and prominence of Holford House make it a significant feature of the streetscape. The house has undergone recent renovations in 2009. (Criterion D & E)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House