HATFIELD FLATS

Hatfield Flats, at 576 Riversdale Road, Camberwell, is significant.

The flats complex was designed by architect F. Scott Mackay for owner Lilian Cassidy. It was constructed in stages with the main, three-storey, wing on the east side of the site built in 1935-36. Mackay also designed the western wing of 1939.While the original plans show a three-storey extension, it was built as just two storeys, creating a symmetrical composition with the two-storey eastern wing.

The flats building, constructed in the 1930s, is significant. The associated front fence, and garages are contributory.

How is it significant?

Hatfield Flats is of local historical, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

Hatfield Flats illustrates the slow penetration of flats into the City of Camberwell during the interwar period, development which was resisted by planning laws which sought to preserve its expansive suburban character. There were very few flats built in the area in the 1920s, but the depression of the 1930s resulted in a need for higher density living, and flats were introduced to Camberwell, mainly along the main thoroughfares such as Riversdale Road. While many flats buildings of the 1930s were quite small and designed to appear like single-family homes, Hatfield Flats represents a fully-fledged flats design which is clearly recognisable as such, but which seeks in its stepped design to minimise its visual impact on the surrounding streetscape as well as provide a high level of amenity to the occupants. (Criterion A)

Hatfield Flats is a highly intact and well-detailed example of an interwar flats building in an eclectic mixture of the Moderne and Georgian Revival styles. The 1935 eastern and central wings demonstrate typical features of the Moderne, including the use of contrasting clinker brick and render to the walls, horizontal speed lines to solid balconies and horizontal glazing bars to windows, which is balanced by a number of vertical elements such as the parapeted stair tower. (Criterion D

Hatfield Flats is distinguished by its skilful planning and massing, and by its idiosyncratic design elements typical of F. Scott Mackay's designs. In plan, the flats comprise five linked pavilions that form an irregular 'V' in plan, with the higher three-storey pavilions set deep into the centre of the site to diminish their impact on the streetscape. There are numerous setbacks to the facade which provided a sense of privacy to each balcony and access to light and air for each flat. The design is enlivened by Mackay's idiosyncratic vertical projecting bays and towers. The retention of the original dwarf brick front fence and rear garages enhance the setting of the flats building. (Criterion E)

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Flat