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TERRA DOME HOUSE

Location 14 Bell Street, BALMORAL VIC 3407 - Property No 038 File Number 423 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/4] 23250 Terra Dome Bell St [2/4] 23250 Terra Dome Bell St [3/4] 23250 Terra Dome Bell St [4/4] 23250 Terra Dome Bell St

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Terra Dome house, Bell Street, Balmoral was built in 1985 for the present owners, Jim and Lana Howman by Terra Dome Australia Pty Ltd. of Murtoa under licence from an American firm. The method of construction was a response to the oil crisis of the early 1970s and the subsequent rise in energy prices. This was only the second example to be built in Australia and the first after that at Murtoa built by Mr. David Peitsch, the licensee. Some forty other houses have since been built in Victoria. It is made up from domed, concrete modules poured in situ with special aluminium formwork and steel reinforcing. The whole is covered by earth. The other detailing, services and materials are relatively conventional. The building is in excellent condition and retains a very high degree of integrity.

How is it significant?
The Terra Dome house, Bell Street, Balmoral is of architectural significance to the township of Balmoral and to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it significant?
The Terra Dome house, Bell Street, Balmoral is of architectural significance as a rare and relatively early example of design for harsh environmental conditions and as a response to the conservation of natural resources.