8 September 2024

Groovy flats in North Caulfield, built on a curved plan.

Fountain Court in Orrong Crescent was built in 1968, and designed by the very creative husband & wife team on Holgar & Holgar, part of the WW2 era Eastern European and often Jewish migrant community. Their houses are pretty sumptuous and glam, so this block is restrained by comparison.

In fact it’s a bit clunky, with the curve made up of straight walls, and rather convoluted floor plans, but it’s full of interest with big windows, tiled columns, angled beams, textured concrete block screen walls, and gold anodised aluminium front doors and stair railings. Apparently it originally had a fountain out front, now it’s trees and azaleas, very nice. Tandem parking underneath, accessed from a side lane. Spacious inside, with two and three bedroom units, with big kitchens.

The client was Jewish emigre, and so were some of the first buyers. It was so unusual it got a spread in the Herald and the Age, and it certainly must have stood out in a street that was just bungalows. At least one flat has what might be original cabinetry, and an original bathroom, but sadly no gold taps.

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