Wright 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 source of study and interest amongst members of the community.

Physical Description

Single storey cubiform house with garage under the house. The façade is of asymmetric plan form with projecting wing with recessed full height windows behind a verandah area, an off centre entrance separated from the remainder of the façade by concrete pillars. The remainder of the façade is predominantly full height glazing set behind a balcony with concrete balustrade. A deep concrete fascia extends across the full extent of the façade which forms part of the canopy to the balcony area. As with many of Iwanoff residential designs it features a unique letterbox in the style of the main building.

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. Plans for this residence were prepared for the client designated as ‘Wright’ by Iwanoff’s office in 1975 and construction was undertaken in the late 1970s. No detail of these original owners or occupants has been found in this research although it is understood the Wright family are still associated with this place. Since construction the façade, form and extent of the place have not changed significantly although internal alterations are likely to have occurred. The roof cladding has been changed from asbestos to colorbond.

Condition

Very Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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