Penders facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Penders
"The Barn", minimalist accommodation
Location	Haighs Road (within Mimosa Rocks National Park), Tanja, Bega Valley Shire, New South Wales, Australia
Built	1964–1980
Architect	Roy Grounds
Owner	Office of Environment and Heritage
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name: Penders; Grounds and Myer Holiday Retreat - Mimosa Rocks National Park; the "Barn"; Myers House
Type	state heritage (complex / group)
Designated	29 November 2013
Reference no.	1913
Type	Boarding/ Guest House
Category	Transient Accommodation
Builders	Hamish Ramsay and other local builders
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Penders is a special holiday spot in Mimosa Rocks National Park, New South Wales, Australia. It's known for its unique buildings designed by a famous architect named Roy Grounds. These buildings were mostly built between 1964 and 1980. Penders is also called the Grounds and Myer Holiday Retreat, the "Barn," or Myers House. The land is now owned by the New South Wales government. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2013 because of its important history and design.

History of Penders

The Land and Its First People

The land at Penders has very old rocks, some of which contain quartz. Aboriginal people often used quartz to make stone tools. Penders is next to Bithry Inlet, which leads to Wapengo Lake. These coastal lagoons were important because they offered many different food sources. The rocky areas along the coast also provided shellfish and good spots for fishing.

Aboriginal people have lived in southeastern Australia for at least 40,000 years. They used "firestick farming" to manage the land. This means they used fire to change the plants growing there. There are signs of Aboriginal life all over Mimosa Rocks National Park, like shell middens (piles of shells from old meals) and campsites. The Penders area had lots of food, fresh water, and other resources, making it a great place to camp.

The Dyiringanj Aboriginal people lived in the Penders area. They were part of a larger group called the Yuin people. The Yuin's land stretched from Cape Howe to the Shoalhaven River. Each group had strong ties to their land and its traditions.

Early Owners and Roy Grounds

Records show that the land around Penders was first surveyed and sold in the 1890s. Henry Ritchie was an early owner. In 1959, the land went to the Innes family, who were known for their sawmills. Mrs. Daphne Innes sold the land to Roy Grounds in 1964. It seems she wanted the land to stay natural and not be overdeveloped. Roy Grounds and his friend Kenneth Myer became joint owners in 1966.

Roy Grounds and Kenneth Myer's Vision

Facade of Myer House, designed by Roy Grounds

When Roy Grounds bought Penders, it was a beautiful place with a long beachfront and a quiet inlet. Grounds and Myer were good friends and decided to work together on Penders. At the time, Grounds was famous for designing the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne. Myer was a leader in the Myer department store chain.

After Grounds bought Penders, local helpers, John and Mary Cremerius, cleaned up the site. Mary remembered that Penders was full of old rubbish like broken bottles and car parts.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Grounds and Myer built several structures at Penders. They also planted native trees and set up a timber treatment area. Grounds wanted Penders to be a quiet escape from his busy work in Melbourne. The site was very remote, making it perfect for him and his wife.

They also wanted to restore the natural forest. They worked with a botanist, Professor Lindsay Pryor, to plant trees like spotted gum and Sydney blue gum. Their goal was to help the environment. They also saw a chance to make money from timber. They used a special process called Tanalith to treat wood from the site. This wood was then sold as poles and posts. An architect historian, Jennifer Taylor, said the property was "both beautiful and productive."

Before building, they put up a fence to keep cattle out. This fence made some local people upset because they had used parts of Penders for picnics for many years. People were curious about what these "wealthy fellows from Melbourne" would do with the land.

The first thing they built was a simple wooden bench overlooking the ocean. Grounds and Myer often camped there. Grounds decided they needed a permanent shelter that felt like a tent but didn't need packing up. He wanted a place that connected directly with nature.

Over the years, they built several unique structures at Penders. These included the "Barn," a geodesic dome for a garden, a wind generator tower, and the Myer House.

The "Barn" Story

The "Barn" was designed to be a complete escape for Roy Grounds. In 1965, Grounds submitted drawings for a large, nine-sided teepee-like structure made from local timber. He called it a "barn" to get building permission. When the local building inspector visited after it was built, he found Grounds and his wife living in it! Grounds said there was no law against sleeping in a barn. The inspector couldn't do anything. The "Barn" became the Grounds family's holiday home for 16 years.

In 1976, Sir Roy Grounds and Kenneth Myer gave the 220-hectare Penders property to the NSW Government. It became part of Mimosa National Park. As part of the deal, Grounds and Myer could keep using a 20-hectare area with their holiday homes. This agreement lasted until 2011. Since then, the National Parks and Wildlife Service has managed Penders.

About Roy Grounds and Kenneth Myer

Roy Grounds (1905–1981) was a famous architect from Melbourne. He was known for his "Australian Style" of design, which blended living and dining areas. He was a leader in modern house design. His major projects included the National Gallery of Victoria and the Arts Centre Melbourne. He was knighted in 1969 for his work.

Kenneth Myer (1921–1992) was from the well-known Myer retail family. He was a close friend and supporter of Roy Grounds. Myer was a forward-thinker, supporting things like freeways and shopping malls. He was also involved in many business and charity projects.

What Penders Looks Like

The Penders Area

Penders is located inside Mimosa Rocks National Park, about 420 kilometers south of Sydney. The park covers about 5,804 hectares and stretches along the coast. It protects coastal land and inland forests.

Penders is a special part of the park. Sir Roy Grounds and Mr. Ken Myer gave their property to the government in 1973 to expand the park. This gift helped create a large area for conservation. Other neighbors, including Roy Grounds' son Marr, have also donated land to the park.

Some of the main things you can find at Penders include:

• The "Barn"
• Myer House
• Geodesic Dome
• Slab Seat
• The "Bum" Seat
• Shed/Bathroom Pod
• Former Timber Plant
• Wind Tower Remains
• Myer Tennis Court
• Covered Orchard
• Memorial Monument

The "Barn"

The "Barn" is a nine-sided building with sloping poles that form its main frame. It has no central support. The roof was originally made of sod (grass and soil), but this was changed to yellow fiberglass sheets. Yellow blinds hung around the sides.

Inside, the "Barn" has an open space with a large steel fireplace. A big dining table with log legs is fixed to the floor. The space still has some original furniture, like deck chairs. There was also a double bed with a mosquito net. A small kitchen area had a gas fridge and a sink. The floor was made of round wooden blocks. The "Barn" also had a sunken bathroom with a square bath and river pebbles. Water came from dams on the property.

The Myer House

The Myer House was built in the 1970s as a holiday home. From the outside, it looks like a traditional country house. But inside, it has a simple, grand feel. The walls are lined with stained wood panels, similar to those used in the National Gallery of Victoria.

The house is built with large treated logs for its frame. The roof is dark brown steel. The verandah (porch) floors were originally made of small wooden blocks, but most have been covered with concrete. The windows are bronze-colored aluminum.

Inside, the floors are cork tiles. The main living area is very spacious with a high ceiling. It has two fireplaces and a huge dining table made of three large timber slabs. This table can seat ten people. Sliding glass doors open onto screened verandahs. There are two double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. The design of the Myer House echoes parts of the National Gallery of Victoria.

Over time, some parts of the verandahs have been enclosed to create more rooms. The kitchen was moved to a new spot, and a Japanese bathroom was added (now a bedroom).

The Geodesic Dome

Near the "Barn" is a unique timber geodesic dome. It's made from treated timber poles and sits on a one-meter-high round base. The floor is concrete, and in the center is a raised garden bed. This bed was heated by underground wires to help grow plants like paw-paw.

The dome was designed by Grounds, with help from his stepson, Hamish Ramsay, an engineer. A geodesic dome uses many triangles to create a strong, almost spherical shape. Grounds used circular wood blocks to connect the poles. He also used galvanized steel "Tomlin" rubbish bin lids to cover the connection points, showing his clever and resourceful style.

Some of the dome's triangular panels were covered with clear plastic sheets. About eighty percent of the dome was covered in yellow sailcloth, which has since worn away. The top of the dome has a clear acrylic skylight that also helps with ventilation.

The dome had two main uses:

• As a greenhouse for growing herbs and vegetables.
• As a workshop for Roy Grounds to work on gadgets, do maintenance, and create timber and rock sculptures.

Condition of Penders Today

Since cattle grazing stopped, the Penders site has been managed to allow nature to regrow. Some areas that were used for camping are now smaller as the bush has grown back.

The "Barn" Condition

Over the years, the main support poles of the "Barn" rotted below ground. The structure was extensively repaired in 2001-2002. New poles and stainless steel bolts were used. The "Barn" is still used by different groups, so it shows some wear and tear. Its original use as accommodation ended in 2010. Some original furniture has been removed.

The Geodesic Dome Condition

In 2002, the dome was in poor condition, with splitting poles and rusting bolts. Its condition has gotten worse since then. The support base is separating, and attempts have been made to prop it up. The plastic panels have fallen off, and the planter boxes are also deteriorating.

The Myer House and Tennis Court Condition

The Myer House is kept in excellent condition inside. Most of its original fittings are still there or have been replaced with similar ones. The verandah floors, which were originally wood blocks, were mostly covered with concrete to make it easier for a family member in a wheelchair. Some small areas of the original wood blocks were kept.

In 2012, the National Parks and Wildlife Service refurbished the house to rent it out for holidays. They added solar panels, rainwater tanks, and a new sewage system. They also repaired the roof, verandah posts, and skylights. The kitchen and bathrooms were updated, keeping the original style. The tennis court is in good condition.

Other Structures

• The Thong Camp: A cleared area for camping near the beach, kept in good condition.
• The Slab Seat: A simple wooden seat and logs, still in good condition.
• Windmill Tower Remains: The remains of the tower, now a sculpture, are still there and haven't changed much.
• Small Fenced Garden: Only parts of the fence remain, and the garden is in poor condition.
• The Bum Seat: A more delicate log seat, in average condition.
• Former Timber Treatment Plant Shed: Still standing, but has some damage.
• Shed/Bathroom Pod: In good condition, though some poles are angled on purpose.
• Main Dam: Still provides water for the Myer House and "Barn," but is overgrown with weeds.
• Covered Orchard: In poor condition, with the netting and posts failing.
• Golf Course: The natural landscape has grown over the old golf course, so it's in poor condition.
• Avenues of Native Trees: Two rows of planted trees from Grounds and Myer's time are in good condition.
• Memorials: There are memorials for Ken Myer and Yasuko Hiraoka, and for Sir Roy and Lady Bettine Grounds.

Some structures, like the Houseboat, Cubby, Solar Shed, and Workshop, have been removed from the site since 2011. Some sculptures were also removed as they were personal items, but some log, concrete, and steel sculptures remain.

Why Penders is Important

Penders is important to New South Wales because it has rare modernist buildings designed by the famous architect Roy Grounds. Grounds used Penders as a place to try out new ideas for buildings. These experiments influenced modern architecture across Australia.

The "Barn" is a key building that shows Grounds' ideas. It highlights his belief in using simple shapes and connecting buildings with nature. The geodesic dome and Myer House also show his wide range of interests. These buildings are unique in New South Wales for using natural materials and log pole construction.

Architects highly respect the buildings at Penders. They are seen as part of a design process that led to nationally important works like the National Gallery of Victoria. Grounds' work at Penders has inspired many later architects.

Penders also has a strong link to Kenneth Myer of the Myer retail family. The site shows his interest in protecting the environment and using native timbers. The timber plantation and remains of the timber treatment shed show this.

Grounds and Myer shared interests in architecture, art, and nature. They gave Penders to the NSW government to expand Mimosa Rocks National Park. This act shows their generosity and belief in public ownership of coastal lands.

Penders was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 2013 for several reasons:

• It shows important parts of New South Wales history.

Penders has local historical importance for Aboriginal people who lived there. Later, it was used for logging and farming. It has also been a popular recreation spot for a long time. The "Barn" and Myer House were early examples of holiday homes built on the south coast in the 1960s and 70s. They show a shift towards using natural materials and simple designs. The former Timber Treatment Plant shed is important because it relates to timber milling and a special wood treatment process used for Grounds' buildings.

• It is linked to important people in New South Wales history.

Penders is strongly connected to Sir Roy Grounds, one of Australia's most important architects. The "Barn" clearly shows his ideas about design and nature. Grounds received top awards for his work. Penders is also linked to Kenneth Myer, who was interested in environmental protection and using native timbers. Roy Grounds' son, Marr Grounds, an influential artist, also has connections to the site. The donation of Penders to the State shows the generosity of Grounds and Myer.

• It shows great creative or technical skill.

The main buildings at Penders ("Barn," Myer House, Geodesic Dome) are beautiful and show Roy Grounds' creative experiments. They highlight his interest in geometric shapes, new building methods, and natural materials. These buildings were very unusual for their time in New South Wales. The "Barn" is seen as a masterpiece of his later career, showing a relaxed and natural way of living. The Geodesic Dome is a clever take on R. Buckminster Fuller's designs. The Myer House, though simple, reflects the grandness of the National Gallery of Victoria.

• It is important to a community or cultural group.

Architects highly value the buildings at Penders. They are seen as a key part of Roy Grounds' design journey, which led to nationally important works. The "Barn" became almost legendary in art and architecture circles. Grounds' work at Penders has inspired many architects, including the famous Glenn Murcutt. Penders also represents a trend where artists and thinkers built simple, eco-friendly holiday homes along the south coast.

• It can teach us about history.

The "Barn," Geodesic Dome, and other structures at Penders can teach us about new timber construction methods. They also show the early use of the Tanalithic timber preservation treatment, which was developed on the site and became an important local industry.

• It is rare or uncommon.

Penders has a rare collection of buildings by Sir Roy Grounds, who designed few projects in New South Wales. Having three of his unique structures together on one site is very rare. The "Barn" and geodesic dome were among the first log structures built for homes after World War II. Penders was also an early example of a site focused on restoring a natural coastal landscape. The tree plantations there are some of the earliest private eucalyptus plantations in the state.

• It shows the main features of similar places.

Penders is a good example of coastal holiday retreats on the south coast. The "Barn" and Myer House represent new types of holiday accommodation that appeared after motels became popular in the 1950s. The "Barn" especially shows an ideal way of living in the Australian climate in the 1960s. Its design, using local materials and adjustable features, shows an early effort towards environmentally friendly architecture.