HOUSE, 12 ORIENT STREET

Statement of Significance

House, 12 Orient Street, is a typical rendered masonry and iron single storey house dating from 1896. The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. It is representative of the typical workers' houses in the South Fremantle area. The place is an example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture.

Physical Description

Single storey rendered masonry and iron cottage with a symmetrical facade designed as a late example of the Victorian Georgian style of architecture. The walls are rendered masonry. The roof is hipped with no eaves and clad with corrugated iron. The verandah is under a separate corrugated iron bullnose roof with turned timber posts. The front facade is symmetrical with a central front door and timber framed windows either side. There is a brick and timber picket fence to the front boundary and a small garden area behind. The fence and garden obscure views of the house.

History

In 1896, a cottage of three rooms was built on the lot for owner Thomas McColl, a labourer. The following year, the property was owned by Alexander Ahern and occupied by Thomas Bush, a carter. A series of tenants followed: George Baker, slaughterman (1898); Alexander McDorjal, smelter (1900); and David Bowers, labourer (1901-03). A diagram dated 1908 shows that the house was unusually well set back from the street. It was a long rectangular brick house set at an angle to the street (with the short side facing the street). The house had centrally located front steps and full length verandahs running down both sides. A water closet was set against the back fence, part of which was fenced off to create a separate yard (perhaps for animals or a garden). By 1920/21, House, 12 Orient Street was owned by occupied by George Dittmer. Number changed from 40 to 12 c. 1940. In 1924, plans were approved for brick and tile additions to the value of £300. In 1945/46, the house was purchased by Hilda Cope. Mabel Dittmer continued to live in it. In 1951/52, House, 12 Orient Street was owned and occupied by John Hembrey. Circa 1956, the place was purchased by Joseph and Shirley Maffina, who continued to own the property until the early 1970s. A diagram dated 1954 shows that the house had been extended. A verandah ran across the full length of the façade, there was an asbestos building attached to the rear, and a path led from one side verandah to a large galvanised iron building. An asbestos laundry was located against the back fence. In 1963/64, the residence was converted into four flats. 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") It was also included in the "Heritage Study South Fremantle", prepared by John Taylor Architects, for the City of Fremantle, June 1993.

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. (These statements based on street survey only).

Condition

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

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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