Joseph Simpson House

Location

35 Douglas Street ROSANNA, BANYULE CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

Statement of Significance

What is significant?

35 Douglas Street, built in 1958 for Joseph Simpson and designed by architect Robin Boyd, is of significance.

How is it significant?

35 Douglas Street is of local aesthetic significance to the City of Banyule.

Why is it significant?

Robin Boyd (1919 - 1971) was one of the leading exponents of modern architecture in Melbourne during the 1950s and 60s, at a time of intense exploration of new housing types. Boyd is distinguished not only by his design work but also by his writing about urban design. (Criteria A & H)

35 Douglas Street is a representative example of the small residences built by Robin Boyd for private clients where he provided open plan living and passive solar designs at a time when this was rare in mainstream building. It is well designed for the sloping site and incorporates a lower ground floor at the rear, however this has been altered by additional glazing. The Joseph Simpson house is a relatively intact example of Boyd's design work and displays many of the typical features of his work. (Criteria B & D)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House