Flats

The block of flats at 20 Denmark Hill Road, Hawthorn East are significant. The complex, built in 1960, was designed by eminent émigré Dr Ernest Fooks.

20 Denmark Hill Road, Hawthorn East is of local historical, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

20 Denmark Hill Road, Hawthorn East (1960) is of historical significance as it is representative of an established pattern of multi-residential development in the Hawthorn area during the post-war period. With many examples being blocks of flats designed by some of Melbourne’s leading architects of the period, it also is demonstrative of the post-war housing shortages in the City of Boroondara during this period, and the particular response in terms of flat development in the Hawthorn area. (Criterion A)

 

20 Denmark Hill Road, Hawthorn East is representative of the post-war design ethos, optimism and architectural modernisation pioneered by local and émigré proponent architects of the International Style, such as Robin Boyd, Frederick Romberg and Dr Ernest Fooks.  The design features honesty of structure and material, clean lines and an overall sense of innovation in design characteristic of this period, which is demonstrated in details such as its modular planning and contrasting hovering masonry forms.  (Criterion E)

 

The generally intact block of flats is of one of the few identified examples of multi-residential development in the municipality, by an émigré architect with extensive European experience prior to migrating to Australia; comparable examples being limited to the prominent architect Frederick Romberg.  Prior to migrating to Melbourne in 1939, Dr Ernest Fooks had a private practice in Vienna (1932-38) and was published in notable European architectural journals of the period.  (Criterion H)