Coolbinia Iwanoff

This is an Iwan Iwanoff in Coolbinia. I would estimate it is a late 50s, early 60s example. Similiar approach to siting as the Golovin house, which rises against the slope,   and the same large single pitch roof is used. The entry detail, a curved semi enclosed portico, protruding out the side of the building is great. Quite a large project, so I assume additions have been made.

Golovin House

This is the Golovin house in Mt Lawley designed in 1959 by Iwan Iwanoff. One of his earlier more straightforward modern pieces, before he started with the concrete blocks. But I use straightforward in the loosest sense, as this is an extraordinary house. The way it is sited on a tough slope, nestled into the side, and connected to the street via bridge is fantastic, and very much in keeping with contemporary practice at the time. The single long run roof pitch is also an excellent detail, it gives the house a sense of scale and  a ‘big’ grand presence that belies its otherwise rather small size. Kate Hislop has written an excellent article on the house, I forget where. Anyway, amazing place.

Hi Fidelity Recording Studio

This is a Hi-Fidelity recording studio in Fremantle designed by Iwan Iwanoff in 1978. It now looks to be empty. But at least it is still there! Restrained use of concrete block, unfortunatley painted, and very similiar to the shops in Shenton Park. Basic spin on a classic warehouse/factory type, but interesitng none the less. It has an atrium. That is cool!

Burszyten House

Another Iwanoff house in Dianella, this time from 1969, an early project exploring concrete block. It is an interesting project because it bridges the gap of his earlier straight froward modern work, and his later experiments with concrete block. The form is similiar to the early houses, and the material is of the later stuff. Very interesting. De De Ce have an intersting article about the house somewhere on the net.

Iwanoff-Dianella

Here is another excellent example of Iwan Iwanoffs residential work, incorporating concrete blocks. This one is a lot more subtle than some others, but  I love the restraint. Beautiful rectangular prism floating above the ground plane, and sliding past the hill over the driveway, the stairs leading up are beautifully light yet strong and the assyemtrical facade is wonderful. The screen on the right conceals the entry way which is a right hook up from the stairs. The sculptural qualities of the boundary wall down the drive and behind the letterbox are astounding. Very nice.

Kessel House

This is the Kessel house designed by Iwan Iwanoff in 1975, in Dianella. It is an amazing house, with a spectacular use of concrete blocks. I wont say much about the house, there is too much for me to say, and I would not do it i justice in such a short amount of space. There is a great feature on it in the book, 50/60/70 iconic Australian house by Karen Mccartney. It is a beautiful house, in amazing condition, mostly original, with an addition by Elischer out the back. As with most, especially later, Iwanoff works, it draws on classical themes and features, and mixes them with typical(or not so) modern detailing.The cabinet work is beyond jaw dropping. Luckily I got to go inside, the current owner was exceptionally nice and let us around, and is doing a fantastic job with keeping the house in amazing condition. They have probably the best furniture/design collection I have possibly seen too. Its great to see such an amazing structure not going to waste.

Marsala house

This is the Marsala house in Dianella designed in 1976 by Iwan Iwanoff. I do not really think words do this house justice. Of all the projects I have featured and proclaimed to be amazing, or mindblowing, this house puts them all to shame. It is undoubtedly the most inventive and original house in Perth, and possibly in Australia. The fact that it exists in our little town, out in the suburbs, just existing is extraordinary. I personally think, and I dont think I am alone, it ranks easily up on the world stage of 20th century domestic masterpieces. To see it in real life really is something else, the way it interacts with the surrounds, the quality of light and shadow that is created and just how it looks in our light, is perfect. It belongs in WA, nowhere else. Truly a masterpiece.

Iwanoff shops

This is a row of shops in Shenton Park, Onslow Road. Word on the street is, they were designed by Iwanoff. I have no more info apart from that sorry. They are concrete block, and they do develop some interesting patterns. It seems like it could be Iwanoff as he was just experimenting with the concrete block, yet to fully jump in the deep end. If som very interesting! They are just nice, I dont have much more to add. Go visit them. And there is the SODAA place next door, very very good!

Iwanoffs Own House

This is Iwan Iwanoffs own house done in 1966 in Floreat, and its killer. The concrete blocks this time are mixed with concrete parts cast from sewing machine bits, for really wild experimental patterning. Also with the ingenious ventialtion system of having a slit at the base of the floor, with a wooden slat in front, which you can slide out, to let breezes in, from the bottom, to cool the room. really really good. Also i like how its still wildly experimental, but still fits into a more reserved overall package, a rectangular box. Wicked sticks.

Featherby House

This is the Featherby house in Karinyup, designed by Iwan Iwanoff in 1970.  Lovely use of sun shading and vertical banding beautiful massing with a strong entrance and street presence.