Summary

Model of Cairo Flats, Nicholson Street, Fitzroy. Designed by Best Overend of H. Vivian Taylor, Soilleux & Overend, the Cairo flats were built in 1935.

An article in the Argus on 10 December 1936 describes the flats 'no difficulty has been met in letting the 36 flats in the new block, Cairo Bachelor Flats, In Nicholson street, opposite the Exhibition Gardens, which were completed this week. For bed-sitting room flats, with a small kitchenette and bathroom and dressing-room, 26/ a week is being paid, and for flats with a lounge, bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette 36/ a week. The building is centrally heated, and each flat, although very compact, has every convenience. A cafe and shop have been built In one corner of the block, and there are eight garages. From the flat roof of the building extensive views can be obtained. The architects for the building were Messrs. H. Vivian Taylor, Soilleux & Overend, of Little Collins Street'.

Writing about the bachelor flat in Robin Boyd said: 'the bachelor flat, of one or two rooms packed with labour-saving devices, made its first appearance in 'Cairo' in Fitzroy in 1935, a Functionalist courtyard block designed by Best Overend, just returned from three years' experience with Wells Coates, the English exponent of the Minimum flat.'

The model was made by Raspberry Studio, South Australia in 1989. It was donated to Museum Victoria for display in the exhibition 'Home Sweet Home: Changes in Victorian Domestic Architecture, 1839 - 1989'.

Physical Description

Model depicts a block of 36, one-bedroom flats. A two-storey, red brick and concrete U-shaped block, with flat roof, concrete walkways and cantilevered concrete balconies and staircases. The block is set in gardens and surrounded by a brick fence.

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