Graeme Gunn
Encyclopedia
Graeme Gunn "For me, the getting of Architecture, while essential to my existence, has not been easy"."Apart from family, Architecture has been the cornerstone of my existence for more than 50 years."
between 1955 and 1960. He became a registered architect in 1963. From 1961-1963 he was employed in the practice of Grounds Romberg and Boyd, continuing in the employ of Roy Grounds after the split with Romberg and Boyd for 1964. In 1964 he commenced architecture practice in his own right. In addition to his practice as an architect, Graeme Gunn has made a distinguished contribution to architectural education serving first as the head of the school of architecture and building at RMIT University (1972–1977) then as a foundation Dean of the faculty of architecture and building at RMIT University (1977–1982). He has received a number of architectural awards for his design and practice including the RAIA Victorian chapter president’s award for Lifetime Contribution to Victorian Architecture (2001). He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Architecture from RMIT University in1966 and is a life fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. “For me, the getting of Architecture, while essential to my existence, has not been easy” Graeme G. “Architecture has been the foundation of my existence for more than 50 years”. At the age of 22 he renounced a tantalizing pastoral existence in a pleasant regional town to throw his sombrero into the ring and embrace the more intensive urban culture of Melbourne. From that day on, Architecture took centre stage.
Construction Date: 1968
Designed for family living these six concrete block, Brutalist style townhouses, comprise of three bedrooms, two living areas and a double carport (now converted to a garage) with an open private courtyard. The building expresses simple construction materials of concrete for the main structure, timber for the roof structure and metal deck as the roof cladding. Off-form concrete balconies project from the concrete block building, with timber handrails.
The Townhouses are significant as an important design progression in the re-thinking of suburban, cluster style living. The houses are included on the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay and Graded as “A” class.
Today: This project retains many of its original features and remains structurally intact, and has only received minor upgrading of timber handrails and window frames.
Award: 1970 Bronze Medal Award, Victorian Chapter of the RAIA. In the Boroondara Municipality only 3 other residential projects have won this award.
The Plumbers & Gasfitters Union Building
Construction Date: 1970
Located at 52 Victoria Street Melbourne, the Plumbers & Gasfitters Union building is known as the most persisting and noticeable landmark of Brutalism. The building was completed in 1970 by Graeme Gunn and his creative collaboration with Merchant builders and landscape architect Ellis Stones. The design itself was architecturally intended to be up to date. The facade is formed of concrete in bold expressionistic forms with dark smoked glazing that intensify the sculptural quality of the construction. Structurally designed to obtain two extra floors when needed, the building is consist of car parking and mechanical services area, one main office floor housing the clients, one office of lettable space, conference room and lobby. For the internal finishes, walls, concrete block work, and stud frame sheeted with plywood are painted. Also in order to retain the force of expression of its original design concept, the addition of signage for the building has been
minimized and remain substantially intact.
Location: High Street, Doncaster, Victoria
Construction Date: 1971
Type: Multi-Residential - Cluster Housing
Kinloch
Location: Eltham, Victoria
Construction Date: 2005
Type: Multi-Residential - Cluster Housing
Prahran Market
Location: Prahran, Victoria
Construction Date: 1971
Type: Commercial - Redevelopment of Existing Building
Crawford River Wineries
Location: Condah, Victoria
Construction Date: 2002
Type: Commercial - Extension
Austin Residence
Location: Sutherland Creek, Victoria
Construction Date: 2006
Type: Residential
Hamilton Courtyard House
Location: Hamilton, Victoria
Construction Date: 2009
Type: Residential
Personal information
Graeme Gunn studied architecture at RMIT UniversityRMIT University
RMIT University is an Australian public university located in Melbourne, Victoria. It has two branches, referred to as RMIT University in Australia and RMIT International University in Vietnam....
between 1955 and 1960. He became a registered architect in 1963. From 1961-1963 he was employed in the practice of Grounds Romberg and Boyd, continuing in the employ of Roy Grounds after the split with Romberg and Boyd for 1964. In 1964 he commenced architecture practice in his own right. In addition to his practice as an architect, Graeme Gunn has made a distinguished contribution to architectural education serving first as the head of the school of architecture and building at RMIT University (1972–1977) then as a foundation Dean of the faculty of architecture and building at RMIT University (1977–1982). He has received a number of architectural awards for his design and practice including the RAIA Victorian chapter president’s award for Lifetime Contribution to Victorian Architecture (2001). He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Architecture from RMIT University in1966 and is a life fellow of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. “For me, the getting of Architecture, while essential to my existence, has not been easy” Graeme G. “Architecture has been the foundation of my existence for more than 50 years”. At the age of 22 he renounced a tantalizing pastoral existence in a pleasant regional town to throw his sombrero into the ring and embrace the more intensive urban culture of Melbourne. From that day on, Architecture took centre stage.
Notable Projects
Townhouses - 76 Molesworth Street, KewConstruction Date: 1968
Designed for family living these six concrete block, Brutalist style townhouses, comprise of three bedrooms, two living areas and a double carport (now converted to a garage) with an open private courtyard. The building expresses simple construction materials of concrete for the main structure, timber for the roof structure and metal deck as the roof cladding. Off-form concrete balconies project from the concrete block building, with timber handrails.
The Townhouses are significant as an important design progression in the re-thinking of suburban, cluster style living. The houses are included on the Schedule to the Heritage Overlay and Graded as “A” class.
Today: This project retains many of its original features and remains structurally intact, and has only received minor upgrading of timber handrails and window frames.
Award: 1970 Bronze Medal Award, Victorian Chapter of the RAIA. In the Boroondara Municipality only 3 other residential projects have won this award.
The Plumbers & Gasfitters Union Building
Construction Date: 1970
Located at 52 Victoria Street Melbourne, the Plumbers & Gasfitters Union building is known as the most persisting and noticeable landmark of Brutalism. The building was completed in 1970 by Graeme Gunn and his creative collaboration with Merchant builders and landscape architect Ellis Stones. The design itself was architecturally intended to be up to date. The facade is formed of concrete in bold expressionistic forms with dark smoked glazing that intensify the sculptural quality of the construction. Structurally designed to obtain two extra floors when needed, the building is consist of car parking and mechanical services area, one main office floor housing the clients, one office of lettable space, conference room and lobby. For the internal finishes, walls, concrete block work, and stud frame sheeted with plywood are painted. Also in order to retain the force of expression of its original design concept, the addition of signage for the building has been
minimized and remain substantially intact.
Selected Other Projects
Winter ParkLocation: High Street, Doncaster, Victoria
Construction Date: 1971
Type: Multi-Residential - Cluster Housing
Kinloch
Location: Eltham, Victoria
Construction Date: 2005
Type: Multi-Residential - Cluster Housing
Prahran Market
Location: Prahran, Victoria
Construction Date: 1971
Type: Commercial - Redevelopment of Existing Building
Crawford River Wineries
Location: Condah, Victoria
Construction Date: 2002
Type: Commercial - Extension
Austin Residence
Location: Sutherland Creek, Victoria
Construction Date: 2006
Type: Residential
Hamilton Courtyard House
Location: Hamilton, Victoria
Construction Date: 2009
Type: Residential
Awards
- 2011 Royal Australian Institute of Architects Gold MedalRoyal Australian Institute of Architects Gold MedalThe Gold Medal is the highest award of the Australian Institute of Architects awarded annually since 1960. The award was created to recognise distinguished service by Australian architects who have:* designed or executed buildings of high merit;...
- 2007 25 Year Award for Outstanding Architecture - Plumbers and Gas fitters
- 2001 RAIA Victorian chapter president’s award for Lifetime Contribution to Victorian Architecture
- 1988 The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Merit Awards for Outstanding Architecture - Bridge Hotel Mordialloc
- 1988 The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Merit Awards for Outstanding Architecture - RACV Club refurbishments
- 1984 The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Merit Awards for Outstanding Architecture - Melbourne City Baths
- 1983 The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Merit Awards for Outstanding Architecture - Portland Aerodrome Terminal Building
- 1982 The Royal Australian Institute of Architects Merit Awards for Outstanding Architecture - Prahran Municipal Market
- 1980 Victorian Architecture Medal : Ararat Arts Activity Centre
- 1970 Bronze Medal Award, Victorian Chapter of the RAIA - Townhouses - 76 Molesworth Street, Kew
- 1966 Honorary Doctorate of Architecture, RMIT
- 1966 Bronze Medal Award, Victorian Chapter of the RAIA - Rhichardson House