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Camp Manyung

Location

35 Sunnyside Road,, MOUNT ELIZA VIC 3930 - Property No B7081

File Number

B7081

Level

State

Statement of Significance

Camp Manyung, established in the 1920s, and with buildings and structures largely designed by Eric Nicholls through the 1930s, is of historic and architectural significance at the State level.
The Camp is historically significant for its ability to demonstrate the beginnings of holiday / recreation camps in Victoria in the interwar period, as an early and substantial example of the type. It is the second oldest YMCA Camp in the State, and illustrates the educative and community philosophies of the YMCA camps, influenced by American models. This is demonstrated by the open-air character of the layout, the integration with nature through the re-vegetation of the site, the provision of sporting facilities and a Chapel.
The early buildings and landscape of the Camp, designed by Eric Nicholls, a close associate of Walter Burley and Marion Mahoney Griffin, are architecturally notable for their expression of the Griffin's style and principles. They also demonstrate the influence of the Griffins in Australia in an unusual context.
The Cabins and Manager's residence feature distinctive elements such as rusticated corners, and projecting pointed gable ends to the roofs. The use of pre-cast block work and Griffin's patented "knitlock' roof tiles demonstrate his interest in low cost construction methods, and the arrangement of the cabins, in a crescent following the contours of the site, demonstrate their interest in integration with the natural environment.
The open-air Chapel is rare in the State and is a substantial example of the type. It has notable elements, such as the pew ends decorated with Griffin influenced crystalline patterning, concrete pulpit, Crosbie memorial, paving and planting beds.
Classified: 02/10/2000

Group