Iwanoff House

Statement of Significance

The place has aesthetic value as an intact example of the late 20th century international 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 the source of study and interest among members of the community

Physical Description

16 Lifford Road was architect Iwan Iwanoff’s own house and studio. The studio was located on the ground floor with the living accommodation on the upper level. The house is of concrete block construction with a continuous band of windows across the upper section of façade with angled block sills and a smaller band of similar windows to the lower level. The stark nature of the concrete blockwork has been enlivened by decorative concrete panels between windows and the entrance door at ground level. The house is built below road level with much of the house obscured from view through dense planting.

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 residence was designed by Iwanoff as a combination of architectural office and living accommodation for himself and his family. Aerial photographs indicate the form and extent of the place have not changed significantly since construction although internal modifications are likely to have been undertaken.

Integrity/Authenticity

High Integrity High Authenticity

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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