Walter Burley Griffin Lodge facts for kids

The Walter Burley Griffin Lodge is a special old house in Avalon Beach, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by a famous architect named Walter Burley Griffin and built between 1933 and 1934. This house was once a holiday home and is now owned by the National Trust of Australia (NSW). It's also known as Burley Griffin Lodge or Stella James House. This unique building was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on March 1, 2002, because of its important history and design.

Discovering Walter Burley Griffin

Walter Burley Griffin was born near Chicago in the United States. He studied architecture at the University of Illinois and finished his studies in 1899. For a few years, he worked with another famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1906, Griffin started his own architecture business. He became known for his "Prairie School" style, which focused on buildings that fit well with the flat landscapes of the American Midwest.

Griffin's Design Ideas

Griffin believed that buildings should blend in with nature. He wanted houses to be small and cozy, using the land in the most natural way possible. He also liked to use plants native to the area around his buildings. He even invented a special building system called "Knitlock." This system used pre-cast, interlocking tiles, which made construction more affordable. He used "Knitlock" and stone in many of the houses he built in Castlecrag.

Griffin's Move to Australia

In 1911, Griffin married Marion Mahony, who was also an architect. Together, they won an international competition in 1912 to design Australia's new capital city, Canberra. Their design was special because it used the natural hills and valleys of the area.

After working on the Canberra project for a few years, Griffin moved to Sydney in 1919. He then focused on developing a large area in Middle Harbour called Castlecrag. He spent the next 15 years building and promoting this area, while also continuing his architectural work.

Griffin's Legacy

Walter Burley Griffin is famous for his ideas about how buildings and landscapes should work together. He believed that a building should look like it grew naturally from its surroundings. He hoped to create a unique Australian style of architecture that suited the local weather and land. He is also known for his town planning designs in places like Canberra, Griffith, and Leeton. Griffin's work helped shape how architects think about connecting buildings with nature.

The Stella James House: A Special Holiday Home

The Walter Burley Griffin Lodge is also known as the Stella James House. It was built as a holiday retreat for Stella Florence James and Clare Stevenson. Clare Stevenson was a remarkable woman who worked for a company called Berlei Ltd for many years. She was also recognized for her community work, receiving awards like the Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) and the Member of the Order of Australia.

The house was designed by Griffin in 1933 and likely finished in 1934. Clare Stevenson mentioned that she spent many weekends there from the time it was built. Stella James and Clare Stevenson were the original owners and enjoyed the property as a peaceful escape.

Donating to the National Trust

In 1964, the property was generously donated to the National Trust of Australia (NSW). This donation included the house and several surrounding pieces of land. Stella Florence James donated the land where the house stands, and Clare Grant Stevenson donated other parts of the property. This donation helped ensure that this important piece of architecture would be preserved for future generations.

Exploring the Lodge's Design

The Walter Burley Griffin Lodge is a holiday cottage built in 1934. It sits on a very steep piece of land with tall eucalyptus trees. The house perfectly shows Griffin's idea of making a building fit into its natural surroundings.

Building Materials and Features

The house is made of squared stone blocks and timber. Its sloping roofs are covered with a special felt material. Originally, the house had a main living area, two bedrooms, a kitchen, and a bathroom. There was also a garage on a higher level.

The living area is designed around a large stone chimney in the center. Three main rooms open up towards a grassy terrace on the north side. The doors have Griffin's unique triangular designs. Inside, the sloping wooden ceilings make the rooms feel like a church. Round concrete columns support the structure. The big stone chimney is the main focus of the design, both inside and out.

Changes Over Time

The house has been well-maintained. Most of its original details are still there. The roof was replaced in 1978 because of termite damage. In 1982, the original stepping stones leading to the entrance were replaced with a stone path.

In the early 1960s, an architect named Sydney Ancher added a third bedroom to the house. This addition was done carefully to match Griffin's original design. Ancher's changes also included moving the washing machine into the bathroom. A terrace was also built to the north of the house sometime between 1934 and 1957. These changes show how houses were adapted over time to meet the needs of their owners.

Why the Lodge is Important

The Walter Burley Griffin Lodge is considered one of the best examples of a small house designed by Griffin that still exists today. It's a fantastic example of how he planned and designed buildings to fit perfectly with their location and the natural environment. The bushland around the house still shows what the area looked like originally.

The house is important for several reasons:

• It's a rare and well-preserved example of a small house by Walter Burley Griffin. It was built as a holiday home and still keeps its original setting.
• It shows how buildings were designed in the area after World War I.
• The way the house is designed also tells a story about the connection between Stella James and Clare Stevenson. The design, with its two bedrooms, might even symbolize their close bond.
• The house helps us understand Griffin's design ideas and how he integrated buildings into the landscape.
• It also shows how architectural styles changed in the 1950s, as architects started to create new designs after World War II.