Murphy House

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as an intact example of the late 20th century brutalist style and as a landmark in the streetscape.

This residence and other examples of Iwanoff's work are a comprehensive and notable group of buildings which demonstrate a specific design style and period.

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 early 1970s 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

A single storey Iwanoff house of concrete block construction, unpainted, with skillion roof and distinctive concrete block sculpture on the façade.

The façade is a contrasting image of blank concrete block and intricate sculpture with a recessed entry and twin garages at the far end. The house is set in the middle of the lot behind an open garden which emphasises the distinctive form of the house.

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 often minimal surrounding development and often a clientele willing to explore new styles and techniques.

This house was built in 1970, according to documentation held by the State Library of WA. No details of the owners/occupants, Murphy, have been found in this research.

Aerial photographs indicate the form and extent of the house have not changed since construction although the original asbestos roof cladding was replaced in 1996 with colorbond. Two stand alone buildings have also been constructed in the rear of the lot within a landscaped back yard.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: High

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.