The history of Perth architectural styles is synonymous to the history of the region. Before the construction of the transcontinental railway which connected Western Australia to the Eastern states, influence on residential architecture mainly came from colonies which have settled in Swan River as well as from people which have migrated to the region during the Gold Rush era. From then, Perth residential architectural styles mostly followed what’s happening with the rest of the country until the late twentieth century when Australian regions added their own identity to the dominant architectural style in the country.
Post War Properties (1940-1960)
Properties built immediately after WWII were austere due to lack of labour and material resources. As the economy recovered, a revival of fashionable houses constructed during the 30s transpired, but with significant style improvements like adding curved features and conforming to the Waterfall Front, a vertical style design. By the 1950s, properties started to become more modern with international influence on architecture. House floor plans changed from typical square-shape into L-shape. The Triple Front design, characterised by having three or sometimes four front-facing walls which often left the main entrance to the side of the house, also emerged from 1950 to 1960.
Chartwell Construction can help you renovate properties built during this period. Whether you are looking are preserving the original features of an old property such as reconstructing a damaged or aged exteriors of chimneys and walls, adding period elements such as L-Shaped floor plan, ‘Waterfall Front’ or portico to a new property to achieve the look of the period, or undergoing a full renovation to modernise your old property, Chartwell Constructions is ready to assist. We can work with you in achieving the results you need.
Late Twentieth Century Properties (1960-2000)
Buildings all over Australia boomed by the late twentieth century, but the progress resulted in material scarcity which gave rise to cheap or low-quality building materials for residential use. Rendered triple fronted brick veneer was the primary style that dominated the architectural scene. To make homes more interesting, rendered walls were painted over and angles and extensions like verandas and porticos were added. Other styles that emerged during this period included Gabled Cottage, Ranch Style, Pavilion Style and Iron/Steel houses. A revival of the Federation Style also appeared with houses that took certain decorative elements and added them to the façade of their properties.
We can help you revive your late twentieth century properties. Chartwell Construction can recreate the late twentieth-century architectural style using more durable building materials. Or help you build patios and verandas to give your property that late century appeal. Feel like modernizing your property? Chartwell Construction can transform your property into a contemporary home. We can do full renovation including extensions, second storey additions or wall removals to achieve an open floor plan.
Contemporary Properties
Contemporary architecture is characterised by modernism, post-modernism and pop architecture which are free-flowing and expresses creativity with extensive use of curved lines. Buildings are now focused on sustainability and the use of environmental materials. Concrete mixed with recycled materials are shaped in various forms and sizes and used as building blocks. Furniture is repurposed and arranged in a way that maximises space to bring in natural light as part of the effort to be sustainable and energy-efficient. The trend of indoor-outdoor living is also becoming normal as more and more people want to maximise their living space.
We can help you take steps towards sustainability through simple solutions. Making home improvements like removing walls to create an open living space and creating bigger doors and windows to let natural light in will not only help you maximise your space, save energy but also add value to your property.
At Chartwell Construction, we have worked with properties well over 60 years old and have done renovations to our client’s specifications and satisfaction. Whatever type of property you may have or level of construction and renovation you need, give us a call. We work with projects, big or small. Our experienced team of builders and tradespeople can cater to those small jobs that you never quite get around to through to a complete structural modification of your space and everything in between.
For enquiries, get in touch with us on 0415 275 513 or contact us at info@chartwellconstruction.com.au.
