Paganin House (fmr)

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as a reconstructed residence built from the original Iwanoff plans. The place has aesthetic value as a reconstruction of the late 20th century brutalist style and as a landmark in the streetscape. This reproduced 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

The original house designed by Iwanoff burnt down and is currently [2018] being rebuilt to the original plans.

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. The Paganin family sold timber and marble, which encouraged extensive use of both materials throughout the house by Iwan Iwanoff, including a notable marble front verandah. The four-bedroom home has an open, practical layout, and according to the then president of the Western Australian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Phil Griffiths, is "very expressionistic, very creative, and quite brilliant". Construction was completed in 1965. The house was recommended for listing in the State Heritage Register in 2006 (place number 17607). The property's original features were maintained and restored, and it was sold at auction by its second owner for $2.2 million in April 2013. In December 2015,the house was destroyed by fire. The owners are rebuilding the home to the original plans.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: None

Condition

Excellent

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

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