About the Architecture

John Curtin School of Medical Research
Architect – Lyons
Located at the Australian National University, Canberra
Completed – 2006 (Stage 1)
This building won the 2007 RAIA National Award for Public Architecture. Lyons’ gallery has more stunning photos.

French Embassy and Franco-Australian War Memorial
Architect – M.M.J. Desmaret (France)
Located in Perth Avenue, Yarralumla (Canberra)
Opened – 1959/1961
The Chancery and the Ambassador’s Residence of French Embassy were designed by the French architect, M. M. J. Desmaret who also designed the Franco-Australian War Memorial beside the Chancery. The gilded bronze sculpture on the War Memorial—Winged Victory—is by French sculptor André Bizette-Lindet. The building was officially opened in 1959. The War Memorial was dedicated in 1961.

Australian Academy of Science – Shine Dome
Architect – Grounds, Romberg & Boyd (Melbourne)
Located on Gordon Street, Acton (Canberra)
Completed – 1959
The Australian Academy of Science’s Dome was the first building in Canberra to be included on the National Heritage List. It has received numerous awards and is one of seven projects the Royal Australian Institute of Architects has nominated to the World Register of Significant Twentieth Century Architecture. The Academy has documented the history of the Dome.

Christensen House
Architect – Cox Humphries Moss Architects (Canberra)
Located in Mugga Way, Red Hill (Canberra)
Completed – 2004
This home received a Residential Commendation at 2005 AIA ACT Architecture Awards. Note that this is a private home.

Calthorpe’s House
Architect – Oakley & Parkes (Melbourne)
Located in Mugga Way, Red Hill (Canberra)
Completed – 1927
Calthorpe’s House was built as Canberra itself was developed. Its architects designed many homes for public servants and, most notably, the Prime Minister’s Lodge. Both the home and its period contents are remarkably intact. The house is run as a museum and is open to the public.

Canberra Suburban Streetscape
Located in Downer (Canberra)
Completed – early 1960s
This is a typical suburban streetscape in Canberra of this period featuring ‘gum trees’ (eucalyptus mannifera) planted in wide ‘nature strips’.

Lewis House
Architect – Nigel Lewis(Melbourne)
Located in Hawthorn (Melbourne)
Completed – early 1960s
This home was designed by noted Melbourne conservation architect Nigel Lewis early in this career for his parents. Note that this is a private home.

About the Car

This XM is amongst the last of the model built and may be the last one sold in Australia. Its ORGA Number is 8604, indicating that it was built on 30th May 2000. The car was first delivered to its original owner in Sydney, New South Wales on 17th August 2000 with special registration plates “XM 2000”.