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Sanitarium Factory Garden

Location

Main Street, WARBURTON VIC 3799 - Property No G13039

File Number

G13039

Level

State

Statement of Significance

The Sanitarium Factory Complex, comprising the Sanitarium Health Food Company Factory and 'Signs of the Times' Printing Works, designed by architect Edward Billson and built by T R & L Cockram between 1936 and 1939, landscaped to Billson's concept, and still in operation, is of State cultural significance:

- for its skilful assembly of contrasting geometric, brick-clad forms and an early example of the small group of non-residential buildings which successfully emulate European Modern architecture (particularly Dudok) and hence create a precedent for Australian post-war commercial and industrial architecture; its importance was recognised by the award of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects Street Architecture Medal in 1940;

- for its isolated location and use, expressing the diet and health philosophies of the Seventh Day Adventist Church; this rural location being a distinguishing aspect among the other buildings which had previously received the Institute's Street Architecture Medal;

- for its garden setting, a fine example of an industrial garden typifying a trend towards outer urban or rural sites with ample grounds and a range of worker amenities, such as outdoor eating areas, separate carparking, detached factory buildings partially concealed by planting, and a concern for townscape amenity expressed here by the low brick fence and row of mature trees; and

- for its considerable aesthetic qualities, derived largely from the crisp architectural detailing and contrast of materials, the mature garden setting, and the focus of the buildings as dramatic punctuations in a predominantly forested setting.

Filed withB4918 Sanitarium Factory Complex & Garden

Group