Kumara Flats

Statement of Significance

Kumara Flats, 101 Smyth St, have considerable aesthetic significance as a good example of an Inter-War Mediterranean styled apartment complex.
Kumara Flats, 101 Smyth St, are representative of the trend to build apartment blocks in Nedlands in the late Inter-War and Post-War periods.

Physical Description

Kumara Flats is a two-storey brick and iron complex containing four flats, displaying characteristics of Inter-War Mediterranean style. The flats are set back from the street behind a low fence and hedge in a garden comprising lawn and some low shrubs.
The flats are arranged two to a floor, with the entry to each flat through a projecting entry porch with arched openings to three sides, with a face brick feature edging. The openings to the northern flat porches have been enclosed to form extra rooms. A central staircase with solid balustrading leads to the upper flats.
The walls of Kumara are face brick to sill level, and rendered above, with decorative face brick edging to all openings, and four courses of face brick below the eaves.

History

Kumara Flats, along with Stirling Court (Stirling Highway) were the first flats constructed in Nedlands, first listed in the post office directories in 1935. Over the next 6 years another 27 blocks of flats were constructed, and a small number after WWII.
Following the easing of the Depression c.1933 a strong trend for flats as an alternative to single houses emerged. During the Depression flats had received bad press due to the large number of large houses converted to flats, often without council approval. From the 1930s in Nedlands, and elsewhere, new flats had to conform to the ambience and qualities of the suburb in which they were built. A large number of flats were designed by leading architects.

Historic Themes

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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.