Site of Buildings, Burt Way

Statement of Significance

The flats were representative examples (apart from ‘Franclair’, 102 Terrace Road) of the innovative work of the architect Harold Krantz and the firm Krantz and Sheldon, the architectural practice responsible for much of the low cost/ investment flats built in Perth in this period, who provided affordable housing through highly functional building design.
The buildings were representative examples of blocks of low-cost flats built in Perth in the 1940s and 1950s that used typical domestic details of the period enriched by a concentration of Inter War Functionalist style detailing on their main façades.
The flats demonstrated changing ideas regarding housing in Western Australia in the 1940s, with the development of flats for singles and couples as an alternative to the dominant single suburban family house form.
Burt Way, had strong landmark qualities for the vistas it provided of the Swan River when viewed from Adelaide Terrace and for its streetscape values which derived from not only the buildings but also the avenue of Cypress pines that gave the area an almost suburban scale.
The flats were a homogeneous group of medium sized blocks of flats constructed between the 1940s and 1950s which shared many stylistic characteristics that contributed to the strong precinctual quality of the site and the greater precinct that faces Langley Park between Victoria Avenue and Plain Street.
The site is associated with the World War Two period and the post-war years when restrictions on building imposed particular problems and the flats were a demonstration of how through rational, economic design one firm overcame these restrictions to meet the requirements of good investment and affordable housing.
The flats had high social value, in particular for their role in providing affordable accommodation in the city, their associations with less affluent sections of the community and for their importance to the community demonstrated by the concern expressed over the demolition of the buildings.
The site remains a significant indicator of a distinct period in the history of architectural philosophy with regards to the provision of low-cost inner-city housing.

History

Site of Buildings, Burt Way demonstrated the development of ideas in the state in regard to housing. The dominant ideology of the single residence for all families was challenged during the 1930s by a demand for a different type of housing from people with low incomes or those who did not seek traditional home ownership. Site of Buildings, Burt Way demonstrated a thought out response to this demand from the architect and firm that led the development
of this type of housing in Western Australia. (Criterion 2.1)
Site of Buildings, Burt Way is associated with the World War Two period and the post war years when restrictions on building imposed particular problems. The flats represented the solution that one firm used during this period to overcome restrictions. The principles of functionalism and economy were crafted to produce designs to meet the requirements of good investment and affordable housing. (Criterion 2.2)
Site of Buildings, Burt Way is closely associated with prominent Perth architect Harold Krantz and the firm Krantz and Sheldon. This firm dominated the design and construction of flats in Perth between the late 1930s and 1960s.

Integrity/Authenticity

Authenticity - Until the evictions prior to demolition in 2002, Site of Buildings, Burt Way was of high integrity as the flats continued to fulfil their original intended purpose as rented accommodation.
As the buildings have been demolished, and the land earmarked for an upmarket development, the place is now of low integrity.
Prior to demolition in 2002, Site of Buildings, Burt Way was of moderate authenticity with all buildings having undergone a degree of change. The most significant alteration to the buildings was the frequent enclosure of their balconies.
As the buildings have been demolished, the place is now of low authenticity.

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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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.