The Gate to a set of Streamline Modern Flats - Elwood
Although partially obscured by a mature garden, these two storey complex of flats in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood have been designed in Streamline Moderne style. The building's large windows, rounded balconies and portico are typical design elements of Streamline Moderne. The clean uncluttered lines of the flats, the speed lines around the balconies and rounded portico and the overall low slung design of the flats are also very Streamline Moderne in design. Even the original planters that flank the front entrance, and the stairs leading up to it have been created in the rounded style of Streamline Moderne architecture.
The whole property is surrounded by a low stuccoed brick fence featuring a geometric pattern and a simple wrought-iron gate.
After the Great War (1914 - 1918), higher costs of living and the "servant problem" made living in the grand mansions and villas built in the Victorian and Edwardian eras a far less practical and attractive option for both those looking for new housing, and those who lived in big houses. It was around this time, in answer to these problems, that flats and apartments began to replace some larger houses, and became fashionable to live in.
Flats like these would have suited those of comfortable means who could afford to live in Elwood, and dispense with the difficulties of keeping a large retinue of staff. With clean lines and large windows, it mirrored the prevailing uncluttered lines of architecture that came out of England after the war.
The Gate to a set of Streamline Modern Flats - Elwood
Although partially obscured by a mature garden, these two storey complex of flats in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood have been designed in Streamline Moderne style. The building's large windows, rounded balconies and portico are typical design elements of Streamline Moderne. The clean uncluttered lines of the flats, the speed lines around the balconies and rounded portico and the overall low slung design of the flats are also very Streamline Moderne in design. Even the original planters that flank the front entrance, and the stairs leading up to it have been created in the rounded style of Streamline Moderne architecture.
The whole property is surrounded by a low stuccoed brick fence featuring a geometric pattern and a simple wrought-iron gate.
After the Great War (1914 - 1918), higher costs of living and the "servant problem" made living in the grand mansions and villas built in the Victorian and Edwardian eras a far less practical and attractive option for both those looking for new housing, and those who lived in big houses. It was around this time, in answer to these problems, that flats and apartments began to replace some larger houses, and became fashionable to live in.
Flats like these would have suited those of comfortable means who could afford to live in Elwood, and dispense with the difficulties of keeping a large retinue of staff. With clean lines and large windows, it mirrored the prevailing uncluttered lines of architecture that came out of England after the war.