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| Murrumbeena |
Take a tour through this artist's retreat where tranquility rules.
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Marianne Courtney, a printmaker and painter and Robert Crombie, a woodcraftsman, designer and sculptor have together created their 13-hectare property near Molong, NSW over the past 15 years.
Robert has been working with wood for the past 35 years. During a couple of years spent in Japan during his teenage years, he absorbed the traditional ways of building and handling materials. Using some of these principles of organic architecture, Robert has handcrafted every last detail in the buildings, from the Dutch dresser and tables, to door handles, light fittings, chairs and windows.
The name Murrumbeena was inspired from a creative suburb outside of Melbourne where Robert's family lived. Robert and Marianne have dreams of creating a similar creative environment.
The property grew from an original cabin (now used as guest accommodation), to a wooden workshop and followed by the main house and new studio complex. These buildings were formed using timber and a render made from a modern form of wattle and daub.
The buildings have a timber frame upon which wire is stretched and finished with concrete render. The render is coloured with ochre. A garage and a small metal work foundry were the next to arrive. A treehouse, in a rivergum, overlooks the property and both of them use it for painting and relaxation.
Further additions include a small cabin near the dam and a workshop (on three levels) which doubles as a gallery. There are seven separate structures, including the treehouse.
Following the Japanese philosophy of harmony between the land and home, Robert and Marianne's house is made up of scattered buildings, the position of which is determined by the relationship with the land rather than just the possibility of the views to be obtained.
Local materials such as timber and stone have been used where possible. Even some of the boulders have been carved to form sculptures, which creates further intrigue.
Other influences are Greek and Balinese and the home is built to withstand an Australian climate. Native plants are chosen in the garden and two dams were built to service the property. In the one used for swimming, Robert has trained the incoming water through a hollow log so that the water gushes in from an overhanging tree.
There are paintings, sculptures and artwork throughout the house from Boyd, Whiteley and other artist friends.
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More Info
Marianne and Robert run regular print making and woodworking workshops. Fore more information contact them at Murumbeena on:
Ph: (02) 6366 8331 Fax: (02) 6366 8966.
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Disclaimer
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