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NEATH

Location 486 Burke Road CAMBERWELL, BOROONDARA CITY Level Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/2] 486 Burke Road, seen from Pine [2/2] 486 Burke Road, seen from Pine

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The house at 486 Burke Road, Camberwell, and its setting including the front and side garden. The house was built in 1935 by owner and well known builder George A. Winwood.

How is it significant?

The place is of historic, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

Historically, 'Neath' reflects the interwar development of the City of Boroondara and is a tangible example of the large subdivisions of the twentieth Century. The lot was one of the last lots to be developed within the Sunnyside Estate, which is historically significant as being subdivided by the influential Tallis family. The garden setting and use of materials is consistent with its surroundings, which in turn reflects the use of covenants on titles. Such building controls were common in the City of Camberwell to ensure a high quality of construction and amenity for residents. The occurrence of a miniature movie theatre, housed in the subterranean floor, is also historically significant as exemplifying the popularity of movie theatres and sound film that evoCTed during the 1930s, and is one of few private cinema examples of the era. 'Neath', is also of historical significance as being built by and for owner George A. Winwood, known as one of Australia's leading builders. A prolific builder in the Melbourne region, he later became the managing director of G.A. Winwood Pty Ltd. During the 1950s, Winwood became Vice President of the newly formed Australian Institute of Builders, and by 1957 he was elected President of the association. (Criterion A)

Architecturally, the house is representative as an intact example of the Art Deco style of the interwar period. The style features straight lines, accentuating vertical and/or horizontal motion, smooth wall surface with low relief sculptured details as well as simplified and streamlined forms. The style was made popular in Australia through movie theatres and milk bars and seems especially fitting of this combined residence and private movie theatre. (Criterion D)

The house exhibits typical features of the Art Deco style, such as the accentuated vertical and horizontal lines, achieved by the tall rectangular chimneys, the horizontal banding and a low pitched hip roof with wide boxed eaves. The style is also evident in the metal framed windows and the corner entrance; where traditional motifs, such as fluted pilasters, were adapted and simplified for the 'modern' era. (Criterion E)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

House