The "Wimbourne Court" Flat Complex - Elwood
"Wimbourne Court" is an Arts and Crafts style complex of flats in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood. The name possibly derives from the fact that there is a central courtyard behind the flats' stuccoed walls.
Built in Arts and Crafts style, the flats have stuccoed brick walls which was a typical element of the movement. The flats feature large sash windows that must flood their rooms with light. There is a central stairwell with balconies flanked by ionic columns. Perhaps most interestingly, the central portico is decorated with ornamental chains, as though suspended by them. I have only seen this used on one other set of flats in the Melbourne suburb of Kew. Perhaps the architects were the same.
Originally two storey, the "Wimbourne Court" flats have had a modern third storey discreetly added to the building as part of a major restoration of the original building. Although modern, it is simple in design too, and because it is set back from the facade, it does not interfere with the original, uncluttered original facade.
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 those found in the "Wimbourne Court" complex 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 its simple style, it mirrored the prevailing uncluttered lines of architecture that came out of England after the war.
The "Wimbourne Court" Flat Complex - Elwood
"Wimbourne Court" is an Arts and Crafts style complex of flats in the Melbourne suburb of Elwood. The name possibly derives from the fact that there is a central courtyard behind the flats' stuccoed walls.
Built in Arts and Crafts style, the flats have stuccoed brick walls which was a typical element of the movement. The flats feature large sash windows that must flood their rooms with light. There is a central stairwell with balconies flanked by ionic columns. Perhaps most interestingly, the central portico is decorated with ornamental chains, as though suspended by them. I have only seen this used on one other set of flats in the Melbourne suburb of Kew. Perhaps the architects were the same.
Originally two storey, the "Wimbourne Court" flats have had a modern third storey discreetly added to the building as part of a major restoration of the original building. Although modern, it is simple in design too, and because it is set back from the facade, it does not interfere with the original, uncluttered original facade.
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 those found in the "Wimbourne Court" complex 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 its simple style, it mirrored the prevailing uncluttered lines of architecture that came out of England after the war.