Carinya Court

Statement of Significance

• The place has aesthetic value as a good, intact example of an apartment complex designed in the 1960s which reflects the stylistic elements of the period. • The place has historic value for its association with the ongoing development of Rockingham as a tourist destination as this form of accommodation was new to the town and responded to a changing clientele. • The place has historic value for its association with well-known and innovative architect, Julius Elischer who made a significant contribution to the architecture profession in Western Australia.

Physical Description

Triple storey pale brick apartment complex constructed on a prominent corner site. The building contains a number of shallow pitched gable roofs which creates a distinctive roofscape to this part of the Esplanade/Val Street. The design of the building incorporates a curved façade responding to the corner position of the structure. The third storey of the complex is limited to the centre of the building creating a stepped height to the apartments. The third story is predominantly glass to the main elevation. The second storey to the four blocks all consist of alternating flush facades and balconies joined together by a continuous timber balustrade. The ground level consists of alternating glazed entrances and traditional window openings in brick walls. The windows all have shutters.

History

This apartment complex was built in 1964 by architect, Julius Elischer (1918-2004). Julius Elischer was born in Budapest and grew up in Austria, Hungary and Germany. After working as an architect in post-war Germany he emigrated to Melbourne before moving to Perth in 1957. Elischer established his architectural office in 1963, and developed a reputation for producing designs that could be economically built to a high standard. He designed many local civic buildings, churches, schools and retirement villages in Western Australia and had a special interest in low cost building materials. He invented roofing systems from coils of metal and Styrocon, a lightweight sandwich building panel, used extensively in outback WA. Elischer’s buildings reflect his strong belief that responsible architecture should attempt to fit into its built surroundings. During the 1970s he lectured in design at the University of Western Australia. He retired in 1986 and died in February 2004. This apartment complex was named Esplanade Flats in the drawings prepared in Elischer's office, the name 'Carinya', an indigenous name meaning resting place according to some references seems to have been in use since its opening. The complex continues to be used for holiday accommodation. Aerial photographs indicate that the residence has not changed significantly in form or extent since its construction.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High Authenticity: High

Condition

Good

Uses

Creation Date

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