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Apartment interior looking towards hidden yellow kitchenette, with all doors fully opened, and black flooring
White and black bathroom with timber framed glass partitions and mirror
Apartment interior looking at yellow kitchenette, with large door partially opened
Exterior view of Cairo Flats, view looking east along central garden to cantilever staircase, two story red brick building.
Apartment interior looking towards hidden yellow kitchenette, with all doors fully opened, and black flooring.

Cairo Flats

Best Overend of Taylor Soilleux & Overend 1936, alterations Agius Scorpo Architects 2017

Description

Cairo Flats consists of a U-shaped block of 36 apartments, with 26 studio and 10 one-bedroom residences. It was designed by noted architect Best Overend of the architectural practice Taylor, Soilleux and Overend, and built in 1936 by Blease Macpherson and Co. The flats sought a distinctive type of accommodation: the custom-designed bachelor flat, providing maximum amenities in minimum space for minimum rent. The flats were supported by a communal dining room, an in-house meal and laundry service and lockable garages.

Cairo Flats established a major break with earlier types of flats in Australia. It is significant for introducing the flat to the modernist program in Australia, and for its acknowledgement of the existence of a new, modern way of living.

Agius Scorpo Architects’ award-winning renovation explores the concept of a ‘minimum’ flat optimised for urban living. The characterful modifications and integrated furniture express a deliberate domestic utility yet remain open to moments of discovery and delight in the form of a crafted tool chest in which to sleep, eat and wash.

What's On

Tours of the building, grounds and an apartment will be led by Cairo Flats owners.

Images: (1-3) Cairo Flats (interior). Photos: courtesy of Tom Ross. Image: (4) Cairo Flats (exterior). Photo: courtesy of Adele Del Signore. (5) Cairo Flats (interior). Photo: courtesy of Tom Ross.

Important Details

Time & Date

Saturday 27 July
Tours running every hour starting at 10am. Last tour departs at 3pm
Running for 45 minutes in groups of 10

Full address will be provided to ticketholders in confirmation email upon booking.
Meet at front gate on Nicholson St, closest to Hanover St.

Location

Fitzroy VIC 3065

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