Subiaco flats recognised in State Register

Wednesday, 3 August 2016
 
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• Attunga Flats is a rare example of the Inter-War Art Deco style
• Built by Claude de Bernales, who also built London Court and Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade 

A landmark block of six Art Deco-styled flats associated with one of Western Australia's most well-known mining entrepreneurs has been State Registered.

Heritage Minister Albert Jacob said Attunga Flats, at 103 Thomas Street, Subiaco, was built in 1937 by Claude de Bernales and was a rare, intact example of the Inter-War Art Deco style.

"Attunga was one of the first purpose-built flats built in Perth in the 1930s and reflects the changing economy and social practices in the inter-war period," Mr Jacob said.

"Economic factors, such as the Depression, prompted the introduction of cheaper, multi-storey apartments to Australia in the 1920s and 1930s."

The slender, three-storey building was built by the General Construction Co, which was established by Mr de Bernales to undertake 'high class work, with the finest materials, using expert workmen and designers'.

In the 1930s, the company also built London Court and Piccadilly Theatre and Arcade, and extensively renovated Mr de Bernales' home Overton Lodge, now the Cottesloe Civic Centre.

Attunga Flats is thought to be designed by renowned Western Australian architect Marshall Clifton, who also designed Captain Stirling Hotel in Nedlands.

The building has six distinctive curved balconies that look out to Kings Park and an eye-catching zig-zag frieze near its roof.

It has been continuously used as residential apartments and retains many of its original fittings, including doors, fireplaces, and kitchen and bathroom fixtures.

The Minister said Attunga Flats was highly valued by the Art Deco Society of Western Australia and was included in the Art Deco Significant Buildings Survey.

Fact File

• For more information, visit http://www.stateheritage.wa.gov.au