Gorman House, Canberra

Gorman House in Braddon, Australian Capital Territory is an Art Deco landmark of inner Canberra. It operated as a hostel from 1924 until the 1972 and has subsequently become a popular centre for theatre and the creative arts in fields such as photography, dance, acting and music. It is listed on the National Heritage Register which describes it as "a fine and externally intact example of John Smith Murdoch's garden pavilion style, which makes a creditable contribution to the townscape." The garden pavilion style is characterized by low buildings, covered paths and open courtyards. When it was constructed in 1924 the hostel was known as “Hostel No. 3” and in early 1925 was renamed the “Hotel Ainslie” and then in 1927 Gorman House. It was to provide accommodation for public servants and initially accepted both men and women. The first residents had moved in by 1925. The original structure consisted of single story pavilions with the dining room as the central focus but this accommodation was found to be insufficient so in 1928 two double story buildings were added at the western and eastern ends which enclosed the inner courtyards.