Align it with the Sun
This week it will be the winter solstice, June 21st. The sun is at its lowest point. I would like to go that day to Elizabeth Bay House. One of my favourite historic places in Sydney is Elizabeth Bay House. In the 1980’s when I was making some historic films, I received permission to film in the basement and wine cellars of this remarkable building, as this is the closest original building to a cell for convicts in early Australian history still in existence.
I love the architecture of this magnificent ancient mansion. But most people do not know its secret. The Historic Houses Trust is to be commended on its preservation and use in an educational manner for our nation. From them we learn the following:
“Built between 1835 and 1839, Elizabeth Bay House was known as ‘the finest house in the colony’. Designed by the most fashionable and accomplished architect of the day, John Verge, for the Colonial Secretary, Alexander Macleay and his wife Eliza, Elizabeth Bay House is a superb example of colonial architecture. Alexander Macleay was the Colonial Secretary of New South Wales from 1826 to 1837. Elegantly furnished to the period of 1839–1845, the interiors reflect the lifestyle of the Macleays and present an evocative picture of 19th century life. The house was once surrounded by an extensive 54 acre garden and described as a ‘botanist’s paradise’. Alexander Macleay was a renowned gentleman scientist who established a significant library and entomology collection and had extensive interests in botany. The sophistication of the design and quality of craftsmanship evident in the joinery, stonework and plasterwork has rarely been equalled in Australia. The architectural design pivots on the symmetry of a domed oval salon with a sweeping staircase leading to the first floor gallery. Many regard this as the finest interior in Australian architecture. Appropriate furniture, wallpaper, carpets, soft furnishings and fittings have been acquired. The original paint schemes have been recreated and frame the original, elaborate cedar doors and window cases. The marble and stone chimney pieces are original and of the finest craftsmanship.”
What you may not know is what is clearly seen on the winter solstice, when the sun is at its furthest northern point. Just after sunrise, on that day alone, the sun shines directly between the columns of the front of the house giving perfectly symmetrical shadows. Open the door and the light shines directly down the passageway and out the back door. All the stonework, the architraves and columns, and stone floor are evenly lit. The light in this perfectly central position lasts only one minute.
Further, the geometric ratio known as phi, or the golden ratio, 1:1.618 is the exact ratio of the width of the front façade to the length of the internal corridor, and in addition it is repeated twice along the corridor itself. The golden ratio is again applied to the width of the house along its perpendicular axis in the phi proportion to the total length of the central axis from the front door to the rear. The precise height of the floor along the corridor is designed to gain the light of the winter solstice at its rising in the East. The stone flagging contains the segments of the compass rose, with the house accurately designed about the points of the compass.
“Bringing light into darkness” was an important design principle in the early 19th century, but few people know how one of the oldest buildings in our nation is a good example of it. Alexander Macleay was a man of scientific and philosophical bent. His house reflects his personality. The winter solstice June 21st, is the day it all happens. Lest you think this alignment to the sun is an easy matter, just try it when you are building your next chook house!
http://www.hht.net.au/museums/ebh/elizabeth_bay_house
Rev The Hon. Dr Gordon Moyes, A.C., M.L.C.
