Building Highlight - University House

University House was the first permanent building constructed on the ANU campus. Construction commenced in 1950 and the building was opened on 16 February 1954, by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. 

University House’s original function was to provide accommodation to research students and academic staff at the university. It was styled on the colleges of England’s Oxford and Cambridge universities and was known as “Oxbridge in the Bush.”  

The building was designed by architect Brian Lewis, a Professor of Architecture at the University of Melbourne, who was appointed to develop the first designs for the ANU campus. 

The construction of a centre for academic social life was considered essential in attracting students and academics to “The Bush” and just as important as having first-class laboratories and a fine library. 

The final design left out some original inclusions proposed by Lewis, such as squash courts and a swimming pool (although some have used the ornamental pond for this purpose!). However, it did include spacious bedrooms with generous balconies and double-glazed windows to protect occupants from the cold Canberra winters, multiple function spaces, a library, and a Ladies Drawing Room where female relatives of academics could receive guests.  

University House also became a showpiece for Australian art and design, featuring sculptures by Lyndon Dadswell, furniture by Fred Ward, and the magnificent “Regeneration” mural by Leonard French which was installed in the refectory / great hall in 1972.  

Today, University House operates as a heritage-listed boutique hotel with casual and formal dining options as well as function and event spaces. Unfortunately, parts of the building were extensively damaged during the hailstorms that battered Canberra in January 2020. However, the building is undergoing repair work and will re-open in the future.

References

Godden Mackay Logan Heritage Consultants 2012, ANU Heritage Study: Acton Campus. Volume 1: Heritage Study, https://services.anu.edu.au/files/document-collection/Volume_1_of_the_ANU_Acton_Campus_Heritage_Study.compressed.pdf

Dexter, D 1991, The ANU Campus, Australian National University Press, Canberra. 

Banks, J & Gaardboe, M 1996, Building and Landscapes: the Australian National University, Canberra, ANU Divisions of Facilities and Services and Public Affairs, Canberra.   

GML Heritage 2016, ANU University House and Gardens Heritage Management Plan,