Two of the most interesting buildings that bookend Fitzgerald Street have been awarded at the Australian Institute of Architects 2021 WA Architecture Awards.
The Northam Library and former Chamber offices were awarded in the Enduring Architecture category winning The Richard Roach Jewell Award for Enduring Architecture.
The buildings designed by immigrant architect, Iwan Iwanoff, mark their fiftieth birthday this year and are a stunning example of the brutalist style. The buildings retain a high degree of integrity and enduring architectural design.
In accepting the Award Shire President Chris Antonio said, ‘The Northam Councillors showed progressive and innovative thinking in commissioning this design more than fifty years ago. People either love it, or not, … either way you should come and see it’.
About Iwan Iwanoff's Contribution to Northam
Known mainly for his idiosyncratic, Besser block and sculptural houses, Iwanoff was also responsible for the Northam Town Council and Library (1971-74), now a State Register Place, and small commercial strips such as those located on the corner of Onslow Road and Excelsior Street in Shenton Park (1968). There were other commercial buildings as well, but the focus here is on the housing legacy.
Born in Bulgaria in 1919, Iwanoff studied architecture in Munich in 1941, working for a short time there with Emil Freymuth, before immigrating to Australia with Linda (Dietlinde) in 1950. He took up work with Krantz and Sheldon, a busy and successful practice, retaining the right to take on his own projects while engaged with them. By 1963 he was able to practice in his own name, Studio Iwanoff.
Reason to Visit
The improbable highlight of this tour is down the far end of the high street. Northam Public Library and former council chambers were built in 1971 by Czech-Australian architect Iwan Iwanoff out of concrete blocks, putting them in stark contrast with the more extravagant gold rush architecture elsewhere. These brutalist structures aren’t to everyone’s taste but have become a major drawcard for those interested in more offbeat buildings.
Heritage in Northam
Northam boasts the largest concentration of significant heritage buildings after Fremantle in WA. Another wonderful example being Farmers’ Home Hotel which won both The Margaret Pitt Morison Award for Heritage and the Award for Commercial Architecture with partners Spaceagency Architects.
The Hotel which has been a landmark in Northam since the 1860s has been transformed to include a boutique hotel, café and the Temperance Bar with sophistication and a playful acknowledgement to the historic themes of the place.
A full list of Award winners can be found here
Updated 05.02.2026