STANHILL

33-34 QUEENS ROAD MELBOURNE, PORT PHILLIP CITY

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Victorian Heritage Register

STANHILL SOHE 2008

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    STANHILL - History

    Contextual History:
    
    Frederick Romberg was born in China and grew up in Berlin. As a youth in Hamburg, Romberg had contact with expressionist architects. His law studies were interrupted when he fled from Nazi authorities to Switzerland. In Zurich he was persuaded to study architecture, and was taught by Gropius, whom he admired, and Mendelsohn, whom he did not. He identified most strongly with the Swiss Heimatsil architects, who "distrusted bold architectural gestures, and who concentrated on technical virtuosity, both in construction and in the details of their buildings". These attributes were highly developed in Romberg’s work, but he did not confine himself to the particular palette that the Heimatsil preferred. In Switzerland he came into contact with the use of off-form concrete, which he used to great effect in both Newburn and Stanhill.
    
    Romberg’s thesis won him a travelling scholarship, but he stayed and worked for a while for the functionalist architect Savilsberg, before coming to Australia. On his arrival, Romberg worked for Stephenson & Turner for several years, contributing substantially to projects such as the Australian Pavilion of the New York World Fair of 1939, and another exhibit for an exposition in Auckland.
    
    Romberg’s first independent building was Newburn, at 30 Queens Road, which is currently on the HBC register. It made groundbreaking use of off-form concrete and made allusions to Gropius’s Berlin housing estate of 1930. The design was compromised in a number of ways - the number of storeys were reduced, the rising on pilotis was eliminated, and instead of the uniform saw-tooth Romberg wanted, the front flats were turned straight on to Queens Road and the access tower moved back between these and the other flats. Johnson states that "Newburn was solid design for the period, while Grounds flats were rather more prophetic". The same could be said for Stanhill.
    
    Romberg teamed up with Mary Turner Shaw who he had worked with at Stephenson and Turner. This partnership produced Glenunga in Armadale and Yarabee in South Yarra, both small-medium scale but significant apartment blocks. Glenunga used a number of Heimatsil elements, and was criticised by Boyd as cluttered. Romberg then set off on his own, and during this period, around 1942, he designed Stanhill for the clients Stanley and Hillary Korman. Building did not commence for six years, and Stanhill was completed was in 1950.
    
    It is important to establish Romberg's position in relation to the architectural styles being practised in Australia at this time. Most commentators on the development of modernist architecture in Australia in the inter-war period acknowledge that there was a strong element of superficiality in the adoption of the various styles coming from Europe. As Donald Leslie Johnson puts it, ".. there was no reason for Australia to promote an architecture to meet whatever new pragmatic or philosophic ideals which might have existed [in Europe]. Therefore, stylistic changes were to a very large degree a matter of taste". It is Romberg’s, and Stanhill’s departure from this paradigm that sets them apart.
    
    Stanhill (and Newburn) are often compared to the works of Stephenson and Turner, particularly their hospitals. While there is a strong resemblance in the elements used, and in scale, critics have argued that the respective styles are substantially different. Stephenson and Turner’s works are generally categorised as being ‘functional expressionist’, a variety of ‘international’ style connected with the later work of Mendelsohn. Hamann asserts that "Stanhill is linked visually with buildings from the early streamlined phase of modernism, in particular with the Stephenson and Meldrum hospitals of the mid-thirties. But a closer look reveals that Stanhill is a completely new kind of architecture". Hamann’s thesis is that Romberg’s product was evolutionary, truly functionalist, and deviated from the "contrived, stylised asymmetry" of ‘functional expressionist’ architecture, which came to dominate large buildings in Australia in the 1930s. Romberg’s use of concrete in Stanhill was fluid, as opposed to the simple rectilinear elements favoured by the International stylists.
    
    In terms of the practicalities of the building programme, large blocks of flats with compact plans created difficult access problems. The open access way had been abandoned as undesirable in earlier suburban flats, but was revived as a simple solution by modernists who considered such forms of circulation desirable and superior. While Stanhill provided private balconies, it gave limited communal outdoor space, apart from the roof top gardens. The principle adhered to was the modernist one of using a compact plan and giving more open space at ground level.
    Stanhill is notable for its particular statement about high rise living as well as for its design and styling. The demand for inner city medium to high density dwellings, and the architectural determinism of the modernists were a complex mix. Romberg hoped that Stanhill would be a step on the way to providing compact and modern housing for all economic groups. His design of 1946 for the Gloucester Flats, a project of bachelor flats of even larger scale than Stanhill, was intended to address this need, but was never built. Parallels are made between Stanhill and J.W. Rivett’s flats in Tahara Road, Toorak, and A.M. Bolot’s later flats at Potts Point Sydney, 1948.
    
    Stanhill was at the end of an architectural trajectory made possible by fashion in dwelling aspirations of the affluent. Social changes were to render such an approach unpopular up to the present, when the demographic once again has created a space for a choice of stylish apartment living. In the late forties the few blocks of high rise flats became novelties as the emphasis for both architects and shifted to the detached house and garden - the suburban dream. The next major exercises in high density living were the government high rises of the late fifties, using prefabricated concrete panel construction. Romberg’s work had some influence on the schemes adopted by the government architects. Interestingly Romberg opposed the use of these high density high rises as a ‘solution’ to the problems of slums - in this situation he advocated row housing. Stanhill has most resonance as a precursor of the types of inner city housing being built today.
    
    Romberg’s next large housing project, Hilstan (now demolished), while displaying a trace of the fluidity of earlier works, was low rise and returned to "unassuming construction with brick and wood, restricting concrete to flooring and some minor cantilevering". In Hilstan, Romberg fused past and present forms, as Grounds had done.
    
    Romberg’s later influence in the post-war period was linked to his partnership with Grounds and Boyd, and his University appointments. In the late 1950s he completed many large commercial works, making use of his talent with concrete, steel and glass, and even pioneering some aspects of Brutalism.
    
    Hamann argues that in the 1960s the focus in architecture moved to Sydney, to Seidler, and to the pursuit of structural virtuosity and tallness. The modernism of "creativity and rigorous assessment of design" was left behind. Romberg belatedly received the RAIA Presidents award in 1983 for his past, present and future service to Architecture and the Community in Victoria.
    
    History of Place:
    
    St Kilda Road had been a boulevard of expansive mansions, but in the 1930s and 40s the area attracted a number of privately developed blocks of flats, mostly of a medium scale, for relatively wealthy residents who wished to emulate European models of city living. A number of these blocks of flats, including Brookwood, still exist today on Queen Street, lending context to Stanhill.
    
    Romberg supervised the construction of Stanhill from his roof-top studio in Newburn, where he could see the works in progress. The strong reactions to the building indicate its relevance as a document of the mentalite of a period. A negative reaction, by the unions among others, concerned the large scale use of steel windows frames and large panes of glass, which were materials in short supply in the post war period, for such a luxury purpose, when the common people who had pulled together in the war needed them for their suburban dwellings. The architectural reactions included complaints that Stanhill was "an exaggerated and unorganised jumble and a monumental incubator". Yet Stanhill excited interest amongst overseas architects.
    
    Romberg and Boyd's office designed modifications for Stanhillin 1967 bu these were not undertaken. In the 1970s, as a result of changing demographics in the area, Stanhill was adapted for commercial use. It has proved well suited to use for professional suites, as some of the requirements for accessibility yet privacy, domestic scale and discretion, as well as prestigious address, are similar to that envisaged in the original use as flats. There has been a strong identification with Stanhill by architects and designers, several of whom have their offices there. This could perhaps be seen as an antipodean version of the popularity of Corbusier’s ‘Unite d’Habitation’ and Pessac flats. In a sense, Stanhill has been adopted as an icon of a golden age of modernism.
    
    Along with these changes went upgrading of services, including adaptation for an up to date fire rating. Changes have been made to attic overhangs, to access way paving, internal alterations to flats and linking of flats, and painting and patching of the concrete. The planning of the interiors of the flats is not the focus of most commentators and the loss of some of these details does not compromise the values that make this work significant - Stanhill still reads as a block of flats. The overall effect, the original architectural intent and expression, are still largely available for interpretation.
    Associated People: A series of well known and frequently exhibited photographs of Stanhill from the 1950s by noted emigre photographer Wolfgang Sievers is held by the National Library.
    First owner Stanley Korman

    Assessment Against Criteria

    STANHILL - Assessment Against Criteria

    Criterion A
    The historical importance, association with or relationship to Victoria's history of the place or object.
    

    Criterion B
    The importance of a place or object in demonstrating rarity or uniqueness.
    

    Criterion C
    The place or object's potential to educate, illustrate or provide further scientific investigation in relation to Victoria's cultural heritage.
    

    Criterion D
    The importance of a place or object in exhibiting the principal characteristics or the representative nature of a place or object as part of a class or type of places or objects.
    

    Criterion E
    The importance of the place or object in exhibiting good design or aesthetic characteristics and/or in exhibiting a richness, diversity or unusual integration of features.
    

    Criterion F
    The importance of the place or object in demonstrating or being associated with scientific or technical innovations or achievements.
    

    Criterion G
    The importance of the place or object in demonstrating social or cultural associations.
    

    Criterion H
    Any other matter which the Council considers relevant to the determination of cultural heritage significance
    

    Permit Exemptions

    STANHILL - Permit Exemptions

    General Conditions:

    1. All alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner whichprevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.
    2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carryingout of alterations that original or previously hidden or inaccessibledetails of the place or object are revealed which relate to thesignificance of the place or object, then the exemption covering suchalteration shall cease and the Executive Director shall be notified assoon as possible.
    3. If there is a conservation policy and plan approved by the ExecutiveDirector, all works shall be in accordance with it.
    4. Nothing in this declaration prevents the Executive Director fromamending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.
    Nothing in this declaration exempts owners or their agents from theresponsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from theresponsible authority where applicable.
    
    Building exterior
    * Maintenance and repairs which replace like with like
    * Removal of extraneous items such as, pipe work, ducting, wiring,antennae, aerials etc, and making good.
    * Regular garden maintenance
    * Installation, removal or replacement of garden watering systems
    
    Public internal spaces
    * Installation of smoke detectors and emergency exit signs
    * Repainting in existing or original colours
    * Replacement of light fittings in existing positions with similar type
    * Replacement of floor coverings to lift lobbies above the ground floor
    * Changes to the lift car interior
    
    Windows
    * Replacement of large balcony windows when necessary with two panes ofglass with a siliconed central vertical joint
    
    Interiors of units
    * Painting
    * Installation, removal or replacement of carpets and/or flexible floor coverings.
    * Installation, removal or replacement of curtain track, rods, blindsand other window dressings.
    * Installation, removal or replacement of hooks, nails and other devicesfor the hanging of mirrors, paintings and other wall mounted artworks.
    * Refurbishment of bathrooms, toilets and or en suites includingremoval, installation or replacement of sanitary fixtures and associatedpiping, mirrors, wall and floor coverings.
    * Installation, removal or replacement of kitchen benches and fixturesincluding sinks, stoves, ovens, refrigerators, dishwashers etc andassociated plumbing and wiring.
    * Installation, removal or replacement of hydronic or radiant typeheating provided that the installation does not damage existingskirtings and architraves.
    * Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring providedthat all new wiring is fully concealed.
    * Installation of smoke detectors and emergency exit signs
    * Installation in flats of internal partitions subject to the following conditions:
    (a) Partitions shall not abut windows.
    (b) Partitions normal to windows must stop short of the window the fulldepth of the original sill, or at the face of the wall below the sill,which-ever is further so as to maintain the external appearance of theglazing. The space between the ends of partitions and windows may befilled with a single thickness of glass. If sealed at the junction withthe window a transparent sealant must be used.
    (c) Fixings for partitions are to of a type which do not damage thefinished surfaces of columns and beams, or the heating coils in the floors/ceilings.
    (d) Remaining original sliding partitions between living room andbedroom are to be retained.

    Permit Exemption Policy

    STANHILL - Permit Exemption Policy

    ADDITIONAL BUILDINGS

    Further building on the site should be strictly limited.
    
    EXISTING NON REGISTERED BUILDINGS
    The three storey flat building on the north side of the site isnotconsidered significant at a State level, and so is not itemised intheextent of registration. However, major external alteration oradditionto this building which would impact negatively on the settingofStanhill would be subject to the permit process.
    
    Alterations to the existing concrete car park to the northincludingsecurity fencing and junctions with the building which lessenitsnegative effect will be permitted. Relocation of exposed servicesplantfrom the entrance of the car park to a less obtrusive positionwouldalso be permitted.
    
    LANDSCAPE
    The garden on the south and west sides should remain formal but lowkeyand low height. The mature Chilean Wine Palm is to be retained.
    
    BUILDING EXTERIOR
    The continuity and uniformity of the original externalarchitecturalfeatures, patterns and details of the facades, balconies,windows anddoors should be retained.
    
    Accurate reinstatement of original features such as the southernatticoverhangs or the northern pergolas to the penthouses west ofthelift-well will be encouraged.
    
    Further additions to rooftop and penthouse areas should be limited soasto maintain the stepped skyline of the building. The provision ofnewshading devices and increases in accessible balcony areas torooftopspaces and balconies of penthouses should be limited. [Pastadditionssuch as the ninth floor flat on the south side will not beconsidered asa precedent to allow further rooftop additions or extensions.]
    
    AIR CONDITIONERS
    Removal of older inappropriate air conditioning vents is encouraged.
    
    The installation of air conditioning plant with low visual impact suchassplit systems will be viewed favourably if the visual and fabricimpactis kept low. [With split systems the external plant can be placedon abalcony and small scale ducting led to internal plant. Theexternalportion of a split system on balconies should be installed onthe slab,with its length against a wall and away from balustrades, andwithminimal visible ducting.]
    
    PUBLIC INTERNAL SPACES ? LIFT FOYERS AND ACCESS GALLERIES
    The layout of the spaces and the wall and the ceiling finishes ofthelift lobbies and access galleries should be maintained. The liftdoorsand surrounds should be retained. Return of the car interiors totheiroriginal design would be supported.
    
    Doorways from units opening directly into the lift lobby spaces willbesupported where they open into the narrower alcoves between themainlift lobby space and the doors to the galleries and where the doorsare plain.
    
    WINDOWS
    Windows are the dominant architectural element of the southernfacade,and make an important contribution to the composition of theotherfacades. Little room exists for alteration without negative impactonsignificance. A number of elements are essential to the integrity ofthewindow system including the steel frames and fittings/furniture, andonthe south side the wide sills, coved pelmet above, the flaringcolumnsand lighting of the penthouses. The gridded concrete glazing barsystemto chair rail height is vital to the composition of the facade.Removalof air-conditioning units from window grids would be approvedoncondition that the grid was properly restored at the same time.
    
    Replacement and repair of steel frame windows should use closelymatchedsections and maintain the appearance of the original. Thegriddedglazing in side lights to doorways to the north side galleriesshould bemaintained and replacements should be undertaken in similarmaterialsand pattern to the original. The large balcony window-panes ofthe southfacade can be replaced when necessary with two panes with averticalsilicone joint between.
    
    INTERIORS OF FLATS
    The original layouts and fit-outs of the flats make animportantcontribution to the building?s significance.
    
    The plain primary surfaces and finishes of the originalapartmentinteriors, in particular, the smooth hard plastered ceilings,thesimilarly plastered reinforced concrete beams and columns withquadmoulded arrises and the related large timber half round moulding oftheoriginal door architraves.
    
    PENTHOUSE INTERIORS
    The flaring columns and associated lighting fixtures should beretainedclear of internal partitioning. The transparency of thecontinuouswindows and glazed doors should be maintained with internalpartitioningbeing avoided.
    
    Original built in wardrobes should be retained.
    
    Suspended or directly applied new ceilings would be permissibleoncondition that they are reversible. [Nail or impact fastening wouldnotbe permitted as it leads to spalling on removal and maypunctureoriginal in floor hot water heating pipes.]
    
    The installation of single connecting doors between the flatsissupported on condition that suitable detailing of doors,architraves,door size and head height are applied.

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