James Henry Esmond Dorney (1909 - 1991), an Australian architect, made significant contributions to architecture in both Victoria and Lutruwita / Tasmania. In Naarm / Melbourne during the 1930s, he designed notable Streamline Moderne apartment buildings, showcasing his distinct style that combined Arts & Crafts and Prairie influences. Despite the Great Depression's challenges, Dorney's practice thrived.

World War II interrupted Dorney's career, during which he served in the Royal Air Force. His experiences during the war influenced a significant shift in his architectural style. After the war, he relocated to Nipaluna / Hobart, Lutruwita / Tasmania, where he became renowned for his inventive Modernist houses. His designs, characterised by wide arches and unique roof structures, contributed to the spread of Modernism in Lutruwita / Tasmania.

Some of Dorney's notable works include the Windermere and St Kiernan's apartments in Elwood, as well as the Dorney House in Nipaluna / Hobart, which has become a landmark overlooking the city. Dorney's innovative designs continue to be celebrated, with some of his houses listed as heritage sites.

The Dorney House itself, known as Fort Nelson, sits atop Porter Hill in Sandy Bay, Nipaluna / Hobart and is where Esmond built all three of his family homes in Tasmania. The first, built in 1948 sat on the southern gun emplacement, was quite probably the world’s first glass house, but was lost to a bushfire in 1998. In 1966 the grand vision for the site was realised and the second house was built on the northern gun emplacement, this was also lost to a bushfire in 1978. The current house, an evolution of the ‘66 house was rebuilt the same year and features the same fire place, with similar design features throughout and is often described as a humble modernist masterpiece.

To learn more about the Esmond Dorney Trust visit www.esmonddorney.com

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