Mud brick and more, architectural designs by Alistair Knox in the State Library of Victoria collection

words by: Bridie Flynn, Senior Collection Curator, Victorian & Australian Collections, State Library Victoria

Article drawn from History Council of Victoria newsletter and republished here.

The plans by Alistair Knox hold an iconic position in State Library Victoria’s collection of architectural drawings. Knox was a pioneer of the mud brick house and made a significant contribution to the development of alternative architecture in Australia and the earth building movement. This is particularly evident in the outer Melbourne suburbs of Eltham and Warrandyte. Knox’s passion for environmental design and his affinity for the Australian landscape have meant his designs are both beloved and heavily researched at the Library. 

Ford house, Lot 2 Laughing Waters Road, Eltham, for Gordon Ford. Alistair Knox. YLTAD28/250/1. 

Knox generously donated his collection of nearly 3,000 plans and 3 linear metres of documents to the Library in 1984 to make them available to researchers. The records span from the 1950s to the 1980s. He was a self-taught builder and a founding member of the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects. 

Knox’s plans were a creative and practical solution for people in the post-war period of limited material availability. They are now a rich collection of research documents giving insight into an architectural practice specialising, but not limited to, earth houses. The plans have recently been made available online and include mud brick residences, parks and gardens, cafes, factories, hospitals, community and education buildings. 

Proposed Restaurant Kiosk, Eltham Park, Eltham Park Kiosk. Alistair Knox. YLTAD28/16/1. 

Search the catalogue for Alistair Knox and the suburb or type of design you’re interested in, or browse the finding aid and digitised plans.

Collection of architectural drawings mostly for earth houses in Melbourne and Victoria

Papers of Alistair Knox, 1969-1980.

Alistair Knox website: https://alistairknox.org/

You can also read an article written about Alistair Knox and the Birth of Modern Mud Building here.