DUPLEX, 16 CARNAC STREET

Statement of Significance

Duplex, 14 & 16 Carnac Street, is a fine although altered example of a rendered limestone and iron double storey terraced duplex pair dating from 1898 and is of considerable heritage significance. The place has aesthetic and historic value as an example of a terrace that as constructed as a former Victorian Filigree style of architecture was later altered into the Inter War Art Deco style of architecture. The place also has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area.

Physical Description

Duplex, 14-16 Carnac Street is a double storey rendered limestone and iron duplex pair with a symmetrical facade believed to have been constructed in the Victorian Filigree style of architecture that was later altered with elements of the Inter War Art Deco style of architecture. The walls are rendered limestone with a parapet brick wall with art deco relief stucco detailing to the front elevation. The roof is hipped, sitting behind the parapet wall and clad with corrugated iron. The front verandah double storey and is under a separate corrugated iron roof supported by a combination of steel posts, rendered and ionic columns on rendered piers to no. 14, there is no balustrading on the ground floor to no. 16 which as the timber verandah floor reinstated. The upper floors have a metal balustrade. There is a timber door and timber framed double hung sash windows to each level of each duplex half.

History

Carnac Street is at an elevation from which Carnac Island can be seen, but not the other islands, possibly the reason for the name. Carnac Island was named after Lieut. John Ruett Carnac, of H.M. Frigate Success. Duplex, 14-16 Carnac Street was formerly numbered 30-32 Carnac Street; the numbering changed in 1935/36. Duplex, 14-16 Carnac Street was built in 1899 for the owner William Findlay, a contractor. The occupants of the two dwellings were Matthew Loftus (labourer) and Frank B. Paton (clerk). It is apparent that the duplex was a single storey building at this time. By 1900 the occupants were Hugh Bryan and George Edinger. In 1908, the sewerage plan of the site shows that the stone duplex had verandahs at the front and timber additions at the rear. In the back yard of each property was a galvanised iron shed and galvanised iron closet. In 1938/39, the two halves of the duplex were divided into two flats, which suggests that the second storey addition was built at this time. The directories show four occupants at this time and that Ernest Conroy and Jack Johnson were occupiers in no 14 and that Ron Richardson and K L McDonald occupied no. 16. This place was identified by the Fremantle Society in 1979/80 as being of cultural heritage significance. (Coded: Brown: "Positively contributing to the built environment") A photograph of the duplex in 1979/81 shows that the places was in fair condition with a low front wall of patterned brick. The decorative effects of the front façade suggest the second storey addition was in the 1930s.

Integrity/Authenticity

Medium degree of integrity (original intent partially clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). Medium degree of authenticity with some original fabric remaining but with some alterations. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

Condition assessed as good (assessed from streetscape survey only).

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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