House

Statement of Significance

The place at 12 Rowley Street has cultural heritage significance for the following reasons:
The place is a fine yet simple example of a timber and iron Federation Bungalow, and its use of timber relatively rare for residences in the historic townsite particularly the western side of the town which is dominated more by brick and stone construction.
The place is a relatively rare example of a Victorian/Federation residence built as semi-detached residence and which still retains this form.
The place is part of a local streetscape comprising a number of similar residences which typify the type and style of construction in Albany at the end of the 19th century.
The place was built at the time of Albany's growth as a result of the construction of the Great Southern Railway and when it was still Western Australia’s major port.

Physical Description

Some of the notable features of this place include:
• Elevated position
• Strong streetscape value
• Stone retaining wall
• Timber walls and windows
• Barge boards in gables
• Symmetrical façade with double projecting gabled wings with barge boards
• Wooden and metal awning to shade windows
• Verandah under separate skillion roof
Some obvious modifications include:
• External colour scheme
• Retaining wall on north side reconstructed with limestone blocks (original granite)

History

The place at 12 Rowley Street was built on original Lot 446. By 1890 the Lot was subdivided to create smaller Lots with 12 Rowley Street located on Lot 3 of 446.

In 1949, Albany Council adopted a by-law across designated areas of the central townsite requiring that all d
wellings, shops and warehouses be built only of brick, stone or reinforced concrete, thereby not permitting timber to be used as the primary building material for external wall cladding. This by-law was not an uncommon one and adopted by most local councils in both metropolitan and regional areas owing to the hazards of timber mainly in relation to fire. However, this later policy makes the timber houses still extant in Rowley Street an important part of its historic and eclectic mix of building materials.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High
Authenticity: High/Moderate

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.