Australian Capital Territory

Location: 95 & 97 Canberra Ave, Griffith  ACT 

Threat:     Demolition

These two single storey houses are significant examples of the ‘Inter War Functionalist’ style of architecture, and are notable for displaying the high design skill of senior government architect, Cuthbert Whitley.

Their design reflects an important aspect of the taste of the period between the Depression and the Second World War, and demonstrates the way traditional architectural styles were being eschewed in favour of modernism just prior to the outbreak of the War. The new style was characterised by asymmetrical massing of simple geometric shapes, plain surfaces, flat roofs concealed behind parapets

and metal-framed windows in horizontal bands

The houses were built in 1939 to provide housing for Commonwealth servants being transferred to Canberra, but are now owned by a developer. There is a development application over the properties which, if approved, will possibly result in their demolition. The gardens have already been bulldozed by the developer. The buildings are neglected and show signs of dilapidation and graffiti.

The houses are currently under consideration for the RNE and the ACT Heritage Places Register.