COLWYN

What is significant?
Colwyn, comprising four maisonettes and garages at 1263 High Street, Malvern designed by J.H. Esmond Dorney and constructed in 1937, is significant. The significant attributes are the original 'Prairie School' inspired form, materials and detailing of the flats, and the associated garages, walls and fences. The high degree of external integrity is integral to the significance of the flats.

Later alterations and additions are not significant.

How is it significant?
Colwyn is of local architectural significance to the City of Stonnington.

Why is it significant?
Architecturally, it is significant as a striking example of J. Esmond Dorney's Prairie School inspired buildings. Dorney trained with Walter Burley Griffin in the 1920s, and was said to have rejected the solidity and heaviness of Griffin's style, but was clearly influenced by the Prairie School in a number of his 1930s designs. Of these, Colwyn is the most dramatic and monumental design and shows similarity in its massing and details to Frank Lloyd Wright's Unity Temple. The integrity of the complex, which includes original garages as well as fences and low garden walls also contributes to its significance. (Criteria F & H)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Flat