Mount Eliza Apartments
Affectionately known as the 'thermos flask' and located on a prominent scarp top site between Kings Park and the Swan River, this finned rocket-like tower was an instant landmark when built in 1964, and remains one. At the time, it was considered controversial as a modernist imposition on a notable environment, and was Australia's only truly circular apartment building. The plan fans out from the central lift core, restricting circulation to the centre, and maximizing the spectacular 180 degree views. These apartments were one of the first in Perth to provide a secure curtilage, requiring residents to provide entry to visitors.
Mount Eliza Apartments is still one of the Perth's most iconic buildings. The original make up of the apartment building included one residential apartment on each floor for the top 5 floors while the 10 levels below are each shared by two apartments making it the first building of its height with only one or two flats per floor. This layout creates commanding views from the apartment across the city and beyond.
A great feature is engineering ingenuity behind the two interlocking circular stairways (a double helix stair) arranged around a double lift-well at the core of the building. This central servicing creates unique access to apartments and the basement carpark and rises over 50 metres. The dramatic composition and hierarchy of key structural elements emphasis the modernist form of the building.
Mount Eliza Apartments were designed by Krantz and Sheldon, one of Western Australia's most prominent Modernist architectural practices. The practice was known for apartment blocks and produced up to a thousand home units a year. Known for reducing each dwelling unit to a minimum, their architecture became iconographic through the use of rigorous detailing, minimal waste and structural ordering; with a strong emphasis on urban living.
The project embodies great contemporary aspirations of the 1960 s where the fabric of the city was transforming, modernising and emerging. Almost 50 years later architecture in WA still strives to embody the aspirations of its time, inspired by and learning from great examples of the past.
Location: Mt Eliza Apartments, 71 Mount Street, West Perth, WA.
Text: Open House Perth
