Designed by iconic architect and Bulgarian born Iwan Iwanoff, Featherby House, built circa 1971, is a stunning example of his brutalist style; characterised by concrete blocks and distinct rectilinear form. Restored by the current custodians to impeccable detail and quality, the residence pays homage to Iwanoff’s design and original intent. Situated on a large 809 sqm elevated block and perched opposite the Lake Karrinyup Country Club, Featherby House is an opportunity to celebrate your successes and immerse yourself in a world that is uniquely and effortlessly, Iwanoff.
SPOTLIGHT
/ Designed by iconic architect, Iwan Iwanoff / Signature Brutalist architecture with concrete block construction / Built circa 1971 / Restored and renovated with impeccable detail and quality / City of Stirling Heritage Award (2020), for Conservation of the built environment and streetscape / Originally designed for Bob Featherby and his family, a cabinet maker who worked with Iwanoff in his construction team on various Iwanoff projects / Landscape design by See Design Studio / Original Iwanoff letterbox / Multiple living areas, including Sunken Lounge and Billiard Room / Oluce and Modular light fittings / Two Escea gas fireplaces / Panasonic fully ducted reverse cycle air conditioning / Turkish vein cut travertine flooring throughout / Full veneer cabinetry / Italian marble to kitchen, laundry and bathroom / Australian Porphyry Stone crazy paving to external walkways / V-Zug induction cooktop, steam oven and oven / Miele integrated dishwasher and fridges / Franke sink and kitchen mixer / Concrete swimming pool with solar heating / Reticulated lawns and garden beds / Directly opposite Lake Karrinyup Country Club / Only minutes to Karrinyup Shopping Centre, Trigg Beach and Mettams Pool
Born in Bulgaria, Iwan Iwanoff (1919-1986), a fine artist, studied architecture in Europe before immigrating to Australia in 1950. Having worked with architecture firm Krantz and Sheldon and Yuncken Freeman Architects in Melbourne, Iwanoff went on to establish his own architecture practice in 1963, The Studio of Iwanoff. With a legacy unlike any other, Iwan Iwanoff continues to be celebrated for his enduring contribution to Australian architecture.
Originally designed for Bob Featherby and his family, Bob was a cabinet maker who worked on several of Iwanoff’s homes as one of his key cabinet makers. Having developed a strong level of trust over the years, Bob gave Iwanoff free rein to design the perfect family home, despite working very closely together on the project. It is understood Bob saved for 10 years to be able to afford the privilege of having an Iwanoff designed home. The Featherby’s remained very happy in the home before eventually selling the property in the mid 1990’s.
Testament to the passion and pride of the current custodians, their vision was to restore the home to its former glory and update the home, bringing it into the twenty-first century. No expense was spared with the renovation and great attention to detail was taken with ensuring Iwanoff’s vision was respected. Digging out original plans from the State Library and working closely with tradespeople who understood and had experience working on Iwanoff homes, they progressively restored the home over several years. Honouring their work, the City of Stirling awarded Featherby House the Heritage Award in 2020, for Conservation of the built environment and streetscape.
With its unmistakable mid-century modern style and internal layout, Featherby House artfully connects the residents to the outdoors whilst providing clever separation between spaces, by the use of split levels, cabinetry and seemingly floating walls. Natural light floods each space and the use of natural materials creates a sense of warmth throughout.
With high quality finishes, the residence features Turkish vein cut travertine flooring, full veneer cabinetry, Italian marble and Australian Porphyry Stone crazy paving to external walkways.
With classic seventies rooms to enjoy, a traditional sunken lounge features on the primary floor, with a built-in bar and Escea gas fireplace. Overlooking the golf course and as if perched amongst the trees, this is a space of both relaxation and entertaining. The space opens seamlessly to the balcony. Constructed of concrete blocks, the balcony form is a visual delight and constant reminder of the home’s impressive brutalist exterior. Downstairs, residents will love retreating to the Billiard Room, a space that provides incredible scale and volume, whilst providing an intimate area to lounge, watch movies or immerse yourself in a good book in the sitting area.
The fully renovated kitchen was inspired from the original design and improved with full veneer cabinetry, an Italian marble benchtop and top of the line appliances, including a V-Zug induction cooktop, steam oven and oven, Miele integrated dishwasher and fridges, and a Franke sink and kitchen mixer.
A meals area and a formal dining area border the kitchen and enjoy great connectivity to the living and activity areas close by. A piece of exquisite original Iwnaoff cabinetry features the length of the formal dining area and serves as a reminder of Bob Featherby’s craftsmanship.
Both bathrooms have been fully renovated with features including an Italian marble top to the main bathroom and fully tiled marble mosaics to both the main bathroom and the ensuite.
Outside the residence opens up to an oasis of easy care gardens, various sitting areas, natural stone and timber materials. A concrete swimming pool with solar heating sets the stage to enjoy the warmer summer days, whilst a timber lined alfresco area runs the length of the kitchen and living spaces, ensuring there is plenty of space to entertain in comfort.
With its impressive elevation and manicured gardens designed by See Design Studio, the front of the residence is both commanding and inviting. The original Iwanoff letterbox sits proudly in place, whilst the central concrete block staircase ushers you to the front entrance door; the door painstakingly recreated from the original design.
Situated directly opposite one of Perth’s most prestigious golf courses, Lake Karrinyup Country Club, and located only minutes to the recently redeveloped Karrinyup Shopping Centre and Perth’s best northern beaches, Featherby House affords a luxurious coastal lifestyle that is close to just about everything for the discerning few.