Residence

The residence at 236 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong West, has significance as a predominantly intact example of the Federation Queen Anne domestic work of the prolific local architectural firm of Laird and Barlow. The picturesque composition of hipped and gabled roof forms, terra cotta tile roof cladding and brick construction, stepped projecting front gable with curved timber brackets and decorative infill, projecting bay window, and the front and return verandahs with timber fretwork having Art Nouveau-inspired Tulip motifs, were the hallmark design features of a number of early 20th century substantial dwellings by this firm. Constructed in 1908-09 by G.J. Searle, local builder, the residence was built for Frederick Band, Geelong jeweller. The residence appears to be in good condition when viewed from the street.

The residence at 236 Latrobe Terrace is architecturally significant at a LOCAL level (AHC D.2, E.1). It represents one of a number of substantial Federation era dwellings by the prolific architectural firm of Laird and Barlow, demonstrating the hallmarks of their Federation Queen Anne design idiom. These design qualities include the picturesque composition of roof forms, including the broad hipped roof, projecting gables at the front and side, return verandah to the north-east corner, front polygonal porch, projecting front faceted bay window and rear hipped wings. Other intact or appropriate qualities include the single storey height, asymmetrical composition, face red brick wall construction, roof forms clad in terra cotta tiles, decorative terra cotta ridge cappings and finials, stepped gable ends, terra cotta hood to the faceted bay

window supported by timber fretwork brackets, decorative gable infill, square timber posts with Tulip-motif fretwork within curved frames and other stylised Art Nouveau fretwork, capped timber verandah balustrade, timber framed double hung windows, rendered window sills and Art Nouveau-inspired leadlighting in the upper sashes of the front bay and the main entrance opening.

The residence at 236 Latrobe Terrace is historically significant at a LOCAL level (AHC A.4, H.1). It is associated with prestigious residential developments in this part of Latrobe Terrace during the Federation era, having been built by G.J. Searle for Frederick Band, local jeweller, in 1908-09. In particular, the dwelling has associations with the prolific local architectural firm of Laird and Barlow, who were responsible for the designs of numerous Federation villas in Geelong in the early 20th century.

Overall, the residence at 236 Latrobe Terrace, Geelong West, is of LOCAL significance.

Group

Residential buildings (private)

Category

Residence