Paul Jennings is one of Australia’s leading authors of children’s books. Don visited Paul at his stunning new cliff top home near Warrnambool, almost 4 hours by car from Melbourne.
Wild thing
Paul describes the location as a beautiful, wild, remote, magnificent, lonely spot. Although some people think he is mad to live in such a place, he loves its grandeur – the shriek of the winds, foamy white horses on the ocean and the fury of October gales.
Paul’s brief to the architect was to build a house that said, “where am I?” not “look at me”. He wanted the landscape to be the dominant feature, rather than a huge, imposing home. Only 50 metres from the edge of a large cliff, the house is partly underground and the roof has been planted out with native grasses to minimise its visual impact. The roof is constructed in layers starting with a primary steel structure, then timber, plywood, a waterproof membrane, drainage cells, fibreglass filter fabric, 2″ of sand, 4″ of soil and finally the plants on top. Inside, the decor is minimalist. Pictures and wall decorations are not needed, because there are magnificent views of the sea through every window. Paul and Don scrambled down the precipice at the front of the house to look at an ancient sea cave, known as ‘Pillar Cave’ because it is held up by pillar-like stacks of rocks.
New book
Paul has written around 30 children’s books. He is very passionate about his work, and is inspired to write for children because he believes that reading helps them to find their “way around” and successfully operate in the community. He also thinks reading makes them more empathetic with people and helps with their story telling skills. Paul’s latest book, called The Reading Bug, was actually written for parents, so that they can help their children to enjoy reading.
Fun 4 Kids
The Reading Bug will be launched at the Fun 4 Kids Festival – Warrnambool International Children’s Festival. Staged from June 28 through to July 6, 2003, this is the largest children’s festival in Australia and biggest indoor children’s festival in the world. One of the highlights is the Fun 4 Kids Literature Festival, featuring 35 authors and illustrators including Jackie French, Morris Gleitzman, Margaret Clark and John Marsden. Bryce Courtney will appear to launch Paul’s new book.
Further information
The Project Architects were John Bornas & Joanne Gleeson, Workroom. Phone: (03) 9421 2023.