October 2026
Very stylish flats in Orrong Road, Armadale, designed by Stuart Hall and completed in mid 1940.
They’ve got a bit more going on than most, with curved corners complete with curved glass, and the entry/stairs feature inward curves then out again, with curved glazed walls to common balconies, topped by little towers which feature chevrons and cute curled decoration. Very appealing.
Found an article from 1940 – originally it was even more stylish, with bands of cream brick and tapestry brick, all now painted stark white. Found some photos from before the trees and palms obscured it.
Originally called Granada, they were touted as ‘all-gas’, with ‘Thermovector’ gas heaters (as well as fireplaces?), and gas powered fridges. There were also rotary clothes lines on the flat roof of the garage.
Stuart Hall and wasn’t terribly famous but he did do the equally stylish Del Marie in St Leonard’s Ave St Kilda, and the long abandoned Ascot Lodge in Hoddle Street, which has a similar arrangement round the entry.
