From the outset the domestic architecture of Peter Muller was the earliest and most original of a circle of Sydney architects in the 1950s to approach the problem of integrating house and Australian landscape, and whose work showed influences of Frank Lloyd Wright and Asian philosophy.
An architect genuinely devoted to the ideal of environmental harmony, Peter Muller's houses have shaped domestic architecture and a generation of Australian tastes in a powerful, if not always conspicuously recognized, way.
He is an individual who sought new and innovative solutions to problems which arose from his particular response to a site or client.
He evaluated the work of Wright on the basis of its underlying philosophy, and once understood, the principles were applied to local conditions. The result was a genuine regional architecture produced by a designer who was not in any way striving for a conscious local style.
Over the past two decades, Muller has applied these concerns predominantly to hotel resort designs in foreign lands and cultures. He has played an adaptive and interpretive role in researching the naturally organic traditional forms of building within these countries.
In the main these accomplishments have been in Asian-based regions, however Muller has completed work on projects in the Middle East.
In all he has provided built solutions that are sensitive in all respects to their condition whilst responding to the requirements of the Western tourist.
This thesis attempts to provide an insight into the life, experience, influences and work of this Australian architect.
The intention is to contribute to the literature and reference material on Australian architects and architecture, particularly that of the so-called "Sydney School". In documenting his architectural output from the early 1950's to the present, it is intended to illustrate the development of an architect with a strong philosophical base through various projects and programs in diverse regions of the world. It is hoped that this work will serve as a reference document for others pursuing related topics.
The aim is not only to provide an outline of the man himself, (his ambitions, influences, experiences and development towards his particular approach and attitude towards design), but also a comprehensive "catalogue" of his buildings. Consequently, the majority of information contained within this thesis is based on direct observation (all but a handful of Muller's built work has been visited and photographed by the author), analysis of his work through the eyes of his architect contemporaries, and conservation with Muller and many architects and students, along with several of his clients. It is also hoped to individually identify and emphasize the important periods and buildings of Peter Muller's development as an Australian architect within this general time scale.
In this work, Peter Muller is placed in the context of the Australian scene around him; that is, the state of architecture in Australia throughout this period of development, highlighting influential personalities with whom he both worked and associated.
Within the international realm, reference has been made to like-minded practitioners and their work in these regions.
Finally, it is hoped to conclude with an understanding of Peter Muller's impact on architects in Australia, and the sphere of influence both he and his work has, and has had, on the state of architectural design and philosophy.
Due to the changed location of Muller's office and the archival nature of this undertaking many of his original drawings have been misplaced. Others due to storage facilities are faded and damaged which has resulted in some poor quality reproductions.
Owing to the period of time that has lapsed between the design and construction of these dwellings and the present, many of Muller's works do not exist as originally built. Alterations and additions as well as growth of vegetation around many have increased the difficulty in photographing his original designs. In some instances, work has been demolished.
In such cases, where possible, architectural perspective or photographs taken soon after completion showing the original intention have been included.
All photographic material was taken by the author where possible.
As existing architectural drawings obtained from Peter Muller were in both imperial and metric scale and the buildings thus designed, these measurement systems have been followed in the document.
There has been a certain amount of confusion in the past as to the dating of several Muller buildings. Dates given for the buildings, where possible, are based on those recorded on working drawings, contract documents and perspective sketches or where such documentary material was not available, as supplied by the architect.
The thesis is in nine volumes. Additional illustrations to accompany the text volume one are to be found in volumes two, three, four, five, six and seven. The submission includes and appendix containing a chronological list of works completed by Muller.
Few of Muller's buildings have previously been documented and critically assessed. Many are generally unknown. A limited record of his work has been published in newspapers and journals of the time which contribute to his recognition.
A two volume supplement to this thesis is provided for installation in the library which includes some copies of newspaper clippings and journals and transcripts of conversation with Muller taped in 1984, 1987 and 1990. These transcripts are presented in a largely un-edited version and include conversations with personalities from the architectural profession. Communications by facsimile in 1993 between the author and Muller have been included.
The majority of the first volume of this supplement, dealing with work before and of 1964, compiled and recorded in 1984, is reproduced form "Peter Muller: Domestic architecture to 1964" a thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture (Honours) at the University of Sydney in 1984 by Jacqueline C. Urford.
The buildings of Muller are personal: they are designed for particular individuals and sites of distinct character within particular cultures.
Their arcadian aims and emphasis on craft set them apart from the mainstream of contemporary architecture. As a romantic architect Muller set the scene for the preoccupation's of many architects that followed.
The body of work studied in this thesis provide inventive solutions for building in and around the Australian capital centres of Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Adelaide.
These ideals were extended to provide regionally appropriate and responsible resort architecture within the Pan Pacific basin and Middle East.