THE COLLER HOUSE, 185 MOUNT PLEASANT RD, ELTHAM

What is significant?
The c1975 mud brick house in its garden setting.

How is it significant?
The c1970s house is architecturally and historically significant to the Shire of Nillumbik.

Why is it Significant?
The house is historically significant as an important work by the noted architect, Alistair Knox (Criteria H). The house is architecturally significant as a good example of a 1970s 'Eltham-style' house and as a definitive example of Knox's theory of integration between built structures and natural, or recreated, bushland settings (Criteria D & E).

BICK STUDY, 1992
In design and construction the Coller House exemplifies the Eltham mud brick residence of the 1970s and is an important work by the Architect Alistair Knox. Built in stages, the large main interior spaces with their subdued natural light, adzed timber beams and posts, timber board lined ceilings and internal walls, brick paved floors, timber floor to ceiling windows and doors, clerestory windows and the large fireplace, all combined with the exterior mud brick walls, wide eaves and exposed timber framing are all the basic components of ths_ Knox design idiom. This low-cost building was built largely with amateur labour and is a definitive example of the houses Knox regarded as most suitable for the Eltham environment. It also demonstrates his' theories for integration into a natural or man-planted bushland setting, as well as that environmental fathers produced environmental sons, { 2} his son Hamish being one of the builders.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT, 2000

The house when compared to other Knox designed houses is among the best of this idiom which includes Knox's own house at 2 King St and the Sapir house. Knox is now regarded as the foremost mud brick house designer in the State's history of 20th century design along with his teachings and writings which furthered environmental design. Analysis is needed of other mud brick houses to finalise this.

BASIS OF SIGNIFICANCE:

ILLUSTRATION OF THE THEMES

ARCHITECTURE

HORTICULTURE

DEGREE OF SIGNIFICANCE: LOCAL SIGNIFICANCE

EXTENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: ENTIRE HOUSE, GARDEN AND SITE TO A RADIUS OF 30 METRES

Revised extent

The whole property including the house and studio exterior and interior, trees and garden.

Group

Parks, Gardens and Trees

Category

Garden Residential