Booth House

Statement of Significance

The place has some aesthetic value for the remnant elements and form of the late 20th century International style.

The place has historic value for its association with prominent architect, Iwan Iwanoff who was influential in Western Australian practice for his non traditional approach to design and materials drawn from European trends.

The place has historic value for its association with the late 1960s which was characterised as a period of affluence which was teamed with a willingness to experiment with new styles and materials.

The place has social value as the house and others of Iwanoff's design are the source of study and interest amongst members of the community.

Physical Description

Single storey house characterised by a flat roof, a façade with full height windows and concrete block construction. The original open carport has been enclosed and part of the open porch has been enclosed by windows altering the design intent of the façade.

History

Iwan Nickolow Iwanoff (1919-1986) was born in Kusstendil, Bulgaria. After studying architecture in Munich at the Technische Hochschule from 1941, Iwanoff worked for Emil Freymuth with the pair winning second prize in the competition to rebuild the central area of Munich. Migrating to Australia as part of the International Refugee Organization resettlement scheme, Iwanoff and his wife arrived at Fremantle, on 2 March 1950. He worked with architecture firm Kranz and Sheldon and also Yuncken and Freeman in Melbourne. In 1963, he established his own practice, The Studio of Iwanoff.

A gifted architect, Iwanoff had exceptional drawing abilities, an innovative `expressionistic’ approach to design and detailing and, above all, a conviction that architecture was an art. In 1963-86 his small office produced work of high quality, including numerous houses. He also designed shop fronts and interiors in central Perth, and one larger project, the civic administration centre and public library at Northam (1969-74). His creative use of concrete blocks is a noted feature of his work.

Many of the Iwanoff residences designed in the 1960s and 1970s were in the new northern suburbs of Perth where there was minimal surrounding development and often a clientele willing to explore new styles and techniques.

Plans for this residence were prepared in 1969 by 'The Studio of Iwanoff' and show that the original home was a simple three bedroom design of concrete block construction. The owners and occupiers until c1980 were social workers, John Warren Booth and Susan Betty Booth.

In 1971, a swimming pool was constructed in the rear of the lot and in 1973, a large extension was added to the rear of the residence on the western side which changed the plan form of the residence to a 'L' shape.

By 1987, the property was transferred to owners Barry and Nanette Bennett who engaged builders, Summit Homes, to redesign the interior layout of the residence to create an additional bedroom and family room. These additions resulted in the removal of portion of the rear terrace. In 1989, the Bennett's engaged Burke & Gaynor Homes to design a new entry and dining room at the front of the residence. Since that time the carport has been enclosed with a double garage door. These later additions have altered the presentation of the house to the street.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: Low

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.