logo
17°C

Round House

Coastal Arts Discovery Trail Frankston

Description

Noted Oliver's Hill property.
Renowned Roy Grounds architecture.

Description

This remarkable house has been a noted feature of the approach to Oliver’s Hill since it was built for the Henty family in 1953. Completely round, it is an elegant example of the architect Roy Grounds’ emphasis on basic geometric form in building design.

The interior is also informed by the building’s shape, with all pipes and service ducts hidden within wall cavities to maintain the pure circular lines. Indeed, so highly thought of was this house at the times of its construction that the internationally renowned Bauhaus architect Walter Gropius travelled to Frankston specifically to see it during a lecture tour of Australia in 1954.

Roy Grounds was one of Australia’s most important 20th century architects designing many significant buildings across Australia, including the Victorian Arts Centre (incorporating the National Gallery of Victoria), and the Wrest Point Casino in Hobart, which is essentially an 18-storey version of the ‘Round House’.

More Like This

cultural heritage
Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Statue

Dame Elisabeth Murdoch Statue

A LIFE-size bronze sculpture of Dame Elisabeth Murdoch is located in the foyer of the Frankston Arts Centre.  The statue, commemorating the late philanthropist's contribution to her local commun...
Kananook Creek Walking Trail

Kananook Creek Walking Trail

Rising in the Carrum Swamp and some 12 kilometres long, Kananook Creek has for millennia been an integral feature of the Frankston region. The Boonerwrung people knew it as a reliable source of water ...
Comfort Station

Comfort Station

The Comfort Station is thought to have been constructed in c1951-52. Sited on a prominent corner on the Nepean Highway, the Comfort Station was a popular stopping point for motorists travelling to and...
Beauty Park

Beauty Park

Beauty Park links Frankston Waterfront with Frankston's George Pentland Botanic Gardens. It's a beautiful spot for a walk or stroll. Features: Playground with 5.8 metre high climbing net, com...
Mulberry Hill (National Trust of Australia)

Mulberry Hill (National Trust of Australia)

Mulberry Hill is a historical house and estate. It is open on the second Sunday of the month for guided tours and also available for weddings, events, and group tour and education bookings. Mulberry H...
Frankston War Memorial

Frankston War Memorial

 The Frankston War Memorial hosted it's first Anzac Day Ceremony on 25 April 2016. Images are available in the photo gallery. The Frankston War Memorial is located in Beauty Park ...
Yamala Mansion

Yamala Mansion

Yamala was one of the earliest mansions built on Oliver’s Hill. It was purchased in 1876 by Sir John Madden (1844-1918) who later became Chief Justice of Victoria, and was appointed Lieutenant Governo...
Old School House Museum

Old School House Museum

Housed in a building over a hundred years old, this museum teaches education from the past. A period classroom includes information about some past students. Photographs and memorabilia provide an ins...
Mechanics Institute

Mechanics Institute

Recently renovated to its former glory, the Mechanics Institute is situated on the corner of Plowman Place and Nepean Highway with sweeping views of Frankston Waterfront. Available for casual hire, t...
Ballam Park Homestead

Ballam Park Homestead

Ballam Park Homestead is situated just 5 kilometres from the heart of Frankston. The Homestead is an oasis of tranquillity, where the visitor is able to step back in time, back to the days of rustling...

Map & Directions

581 Nepean Highway Frankston Victoria 3199