residential & commercial · • original roofing materials such as corrugated iron or terra...

P O R T A D E L A I D E E N F I E L D

Summary

Residential &

Commercial

C O N S E R V A T I O N

G u i d e l i n e s

Prepared by

McDougall & Vines

Conservation and Heritage Consultants

For the City of Port Adelaide Enfield 1999

Please Note: The information contained herein is intended as a guide only. Further information or clarification of the Planning or Building

requirements can be obtained from the Planning and Building Sections in the Environmental Services Department

Buildings and dwellings which

contribute significantly to the

historic character of the Historic

(Conservation) Policy Areas

including State and Local

Heritage Places should be

restored and maintained.

Colours and finishes should be

appropriate to the style of the

house. Appropriate colour

schemes or appropriate

combinations of colours should

be determined through paint

scrapes where possible, or

through the use of colours

compatible with the original style

of the house. These can be

chosen from widely available

Heritage Paint charts.

Original building materials should

be retained where practicable

and missing elements should be

reinstated if possible.

These include:

• original materials and finishes

of walls, particularly unpainted

brickwork or stonework

• original roofing materials such

as corrugated iron or terra cotta

roofing tiles

• ogee gutters or D-profile gutters

(as appropriate to the style of

the house), round downpipes

• details such as verandahs,

windows and doors, which

form part of the original style of

the house.

Pre 1870s Residences

• generally simple structure and plan - retain simple front elevation

• retain and repair corrugated iron roof

• timber casement of sash windows - repair and repaint regularly

• unpainted stone or brickwork should be retained

• maintain all timber elements particularly weatherboard walls

CO N S E RVAT I O N1

Typical 1870s-1890s Residences

• unpainted stone or brick walls - retain unpainted or have later paint carefully

removed, repoint to match original

• retain and repair corrugated iron roof, ogee gutters and round downpipes -

replace later aluminium roof tiles with corrugated iron

• timber sash windows and panelled doors - repair and repaint regularly

• check for damp proof course and good site drainage, keep gardens away

from walls

• verandah cast iron and timber is important - maintain carefully. Replace

missing iron with solid cast aluminium to match original patterns. Check

posts to determine design and location of original timber capital moulds and

other details.



• complicated roof form with

goose neck finials, ridge

cresting and terra cotta tiles or

galvanised iron- repair and

replace any damaged tiles with

matching ones

• tall chimneys - repair carefully

to retain decorative elements

• gables with timber strapped,

rough rendered infills, ogee

guttering, wide barge boards

• verandahs with timber posts

and brackets - paint regularly

• asymmetrical plan with entry

off one end of verandah

• walls of stone with brick or

rendered dressing or of face

brickwork - retain unpainted

CO N S E RVAT I O N1



• large expanse of roof - retain

and repair Marseille tiles or

corrugated iron

• check damp proof course and

roof drainage

• no finials

• typical strapped gables to roof,

verandah and porch, often

rough cast render panels -

retain and highlight

• gutters are D-profile with round

downpipes

• significant verandah supports -

columns, masonry posts or

plinths - retain and repair.

RE S I D E N T I A L GU I D E L I N E S



Houses within the Historic

(Conservation) Policy Areas can be

extended. However, extensions

should consider the character and

structure of the original building

and seek to minimise the impact

of change. The scale and bulk of

new extensions should not

dominate the old, and should be

appropriate to the style and scale

of the original building.

Careful consideration of

extensions is particularly

encouraged when adding to

buildings of state or local heritage

significance, or those which

contribute to the character of

the zone.

Possible forms of extensions

which are appropriate include the

following:

• Extension of existing roof form.

• Attached wing additions.

• Separate but linked pavilion

form extensions.

Additions or extensions should not

exceed two storeys in height, and

this may be appropriate only if the

extensions do not dominate the

original form of the building.

PR E 1 8 7 0S HO U S E S

EX T E N S I O N FO R M S

1 8 7 0S- 1 8 9 0S HO U S E S

corporation of attic rooms into

existing large roof spaces may be

appropriate.

Materials used for the walls and roofs

of extensions should be compatible

with the materials of construction of

the original house. For walls this

could include face stone or

brickwork, rendered masonry, timber

or corrugated iron. For roofs,

corrugated iron or terra cotta tiles are

appropriate.

The size and proportions of

windows, doors and other openings

should complement the existing

building, and roof form and pitch

should be compatible with the style

of the existing building.

EX T E N S I O N S AN D AD D I T I O N S TO RE S I D E N C E S2

EX T E N S I O N R E P E AT S F O R M

EX T E N S I O N R E P E AT S F O R M A N D

V E R A N D A H E L E M E N T

TW O S TO R E Y E X T E N S I O N - N O T

D O M I N A N T F R O M S T R E E T

LE A N-TO E X T E N S I O N W I T H

S K I L L I O N R O O F A D D I T I O N

PAV I L I O N AD D I T I O N

LE A N-TO E X T E N S I O N W I T H

WI N G AD D I T I O N

WI N G AD D I T I O N

RE S I D E N T I A L G U I D E L I N E S



EX T E N S I O N S AN D AD D I T I O N S TO RE S I D E N C E S2

OR I G I N A L D E TA I L I N G R E F L E C T E D I N E X T E N S I O N AT

S I D E O R R E A R O F T H E H O U S E (S H O W N S H A D E D A N D

O U T L I N E D)

WI N G AD D I T I O N (P I T C H E D R O O F R E P E AT I N G P I T C H O F R O O F

TO B O D Y O F H O U S E

PAV I L I O N AD D I T I O N (E X T E N S I O N W I T H S E PA R AT E R O O F

F R O M M A I N H O U S E)

LE A N TO AD D I T I O N ( A L E S S S U C C E S S F U L, C H E A P E R F O R M

W I T H L O W E R C E I L I N G H E I G H T S)

EX T E N S I O N FO R M S

1 9 2 0S- 3 0S HO U S E S

1 8 9 0S- 1 9 1 0S HO U S E S

R E S I D E N T I A L GU I D E L I N E S



Houses built prior to the 1920s did

not incorporate garages or carports.

Many earlier houses had stables, but

these have mostly been removed.

New carports, garages and other

outbuildings should be designed to

compliment the original house and

be located so they do not detract

from the original form and style of

the house.

Carports attached to the original

house should be set back from the

line of the building to allow the

original form of the structure to be

read clearly, and can repeat the roof

level and detailing of a verandah.

Free standing garages should

preferably be located towards the

rear of the property.

CA R P O R T S, GA R A G E S AN D OT H E R OU T B U I L D I N G S3

CA R P O RT R E U S I N G C O L U M N E L E M E N T

SI N G L E C A R P O RT S E T B A C K F R O M F R O N T O F H O U S E

DO U B L E CA R P O RT - W I T H B U L L N O S E R O O F SI N G L E CA R P O RT -

W I T H H I P P E D R O O F

AP P R O P R I AT E F R E E S TA N D I N G G A R A G E S O R C A R P O RT S W I T H P I T C H E D R O O F, A N D D E TA I L I N G TO S U I T T H E H O U S E

R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E L I N E S



Fences to property boundaries

should be compatible in height,

design and materials to the

existing buildings on the site.

Residences in Historic

(Conservation) Policy Areas retain

excellent examples of original

fences which were constructed

with the houses on the property.

These should be retained and

repaired where possible.

Where evidence regarding the

original fence is not available, a

fence of a style sympathetic to the

design of the house should be

erected. Victorian and Edwardian

houses had pickets, paling,

masonry and cast iron and other

traditional fence forms. Houses

from the 1920s used capped

timber palings, post and wire or

woven wire fences.

Hedges were an acceptable

alternative to constructed fences

and the many hedges which

remain should be retained,

restored and where appropriate

extended, utilising the same

species of planting currently in

existence. Duranta, coprosma,

plumbago, cypress and other

bushy shrubs were common

hedge species.

High solid masonry or profile metal sheeting should not be used as fence

material, as these may compromise the open character of the residential

streetscape.

Many gardens within the policy areas contain mature trees which form

landmarks within the area, these should be retained, wherever possible.

FE N C E S AN D GA R D E N S4

TI M B E R PA L I N G F E N C E F O R 1 9 0 0 - 1 9 2 0S RE S I D E N C E S

STO N E, B R I C K, C A S T I R O N (H E I G H T 1300 TO 1 6 5 0M M)

TI M B E R P I C K E T (H E I G H T 1200 TO 1500 M M)

WO V E N W I R E A N D T I M B E R F E N C E S A N D G AT E S A P P R O P R I AT E F O R 1 9 2 0S- 3 0S RE S I D E N C E S

TY P I C A L 1 8 7 0S- 1 8 9 0S F E N C E F O R M S

R E S I D E N T I A L GU I D E L I N E S

New residential development in

Historic (Conservation) Zones

should be well mannered and

consider the established character

of the area, particularly the

context of new development to

old. The Development Plan has

established policies with regard to

new development and

prospective developers are

advised to consult with Council’s

Planning staff prior and the

Heritage Adviser prior to any

development proposal being

initiated. When designing a new

building to fit in to a residential

streetscape the following

principles should be considered:

•Setback - the predominant

setback of residences within the

street should be taken into

account. If a consistent setback

applies in the street, new

development should echo this

setback. In general, new

development should not project

further forward than existing

character residences on

either side.

•Scale - new development

should respect the established

scale of buildings in the street.

Ceiling heights in character

residences were generally

constructed to 3.3 metres. New

developments with 2.4 metre

ceiling heights are generally not

appropriate as the scale of the

dwelling is too low by

comparison to existing

development. Consideration

should be given to use of higher

ceiling heights and a 3 metre

ceiling height is generally

recommended.

•Roof - pitch and materials

should be considered in new

development. In general the use

of corrugated iron was a

traditional material and new

development should use custom

orb corrugated profile steel

roofing (galvanised or selected

colorbond finish). Timber

fascias with scribed beading and

scotia under quad or ogee

profile gutters is recommended.

•Construction materials -

the use of rendered masonry,

face red brickwork, and in

certain instances the use of

stone fronts to new development

is appropriate. In general “fake”

bluestone is not encouraged.

The use of fancy and elaborate

plasterwork including elaborated

quoins and decoration on new

residential development is not

encouraged. The use of timber

windows and doors to front

elevations is generally

recommended. Alternatively

powdercoated aluminium could

be employed if this material is

used with care.

•Proportions of openings -

traditional houses generally

employ vertically proportioned

windows and doors and

consideration should be given in

new development for vertically

proportioned openings.

•Verandahs - in general the

incorporation of a verandah to the

front elevation is appropriate for

new development as this echoes

the traditional verandahs in

consistent streetscapes.

•Carports - in new developments

the design of carports and lock-up

garages should be carefully

considered. In general it is

recommended that garage doors be

set back from the front wall of

houses, and double garage doors to

front elevations are not appropriate

in Historic (Conservation)

Policy Areas.

•Fencing - in general low, open

fencing is encouraged to new

development to continue the

generally low, open fencing

character of traditional residential

areas. The use of simple timber

pickets, steel pickets, and/or

accompanying hedges (such as

Duranta, Coposma, Plumbago, etc)

is appropriate. High, solid

masonry or profile metal sheeting

should not be used as these may

compromise the open character of

the residential streetscape.

•Impact of new development -

Council has a form which should

be filled in by applicants to

indicate impact of new

development on street.

NE W RE S I D E N T I A L DE V E L O P M E N T5



R E S I D E N T I A L G U I D E L I N E S

Built Form And

M a t e r i a l s

Roofs - throughout Port

Adelaide buildings are generally

roofed in corrugated iron and

most shops have streetfront

parapets that serve to hide the

roof behind. These parapets were

generally erected in masonry and

usually contained carefully

designed, urns, balustrades and

render details. In some cases this

decoration has been removed and

the surface is simplified. The roof

configuration is usually steep in

pitch (30 - 35 degrees), and

simple in form, including either

hips or gables, or a combination

of both. Generally the roof is

concealed from view on

commercial buildings, but where

the roof is visible, this is usually

steeply pitched. Any additions

should be carefully related to the

existing roof pitch and materials.

Walls - many of the commercial

buildings in Port Adelaide are

erected in stone, particularly early

warehouses. Other buildings

utilise red brick, which were

sometimes rendered. Corrugated

iron was also an important

building material for warehouse

structures, for both walls and

roof, and particularly in the State

Heritage Area and the Woolstores

precinct.

Verandahs - many early

verandahs survive in the

commercial streetscapes of Port

Adelaide and Semaphore, but

early photographs show many

which have since been

demolished.

Reinstatement of these verandahs

where now missing should be

seen as a long term objective for

these commercial frontages.

Verandahs provide important

shelter for pedestrians, from both

the summer heat and winter rain,

and where these have been

removed it is recommended that

they be reinstated to continue the

existing verandahed character.

There are a number of 1920s-30s

buildings which retain

cantilevered awnings, and in some

cases installation of post

supported verandahs is not

appropriate where awnings were

part of the original design.

Design of new verandahs -the following principles should be

followed when designing a

verandah for an existing building:

• Refer to any early photographs

of the building which may show

the original design of the

verandah.

• Look for evidence on the

building itself which may

indicate where original fixing or

flashings of a verandah was

located.

• Inspect other similar buildings

which can provide clues for the

reconstruction of an appropriate

verandah.

• Avoid fancy roof shapes and

elaborate details where these are

not part of the original design.

• Relate the height to any

adjoining verandahs - consider

continuing the height of the

adjacent verandah, or decide

whether the height should be

different.

NE W CO M M E R C I A L DE V E L O P M E N T5



BU I L D I N G I N CO M M E R C I A L RO A D - T H E R E

A R E VA R I O U S O P T I O N S F O R V E R A N D A H

B U I L D I N G B U T D E S I G N S S H O U L D B E

S Y M PAT H E T I C TO B U I L D I N G D E S I G N.

C O M M E R C I A L GU I D E L I N E S



CO M M E R C I A L DE V E L O P M E N T5

Shopfronts - many original

shopfronts in Port Adelaide have

been removed but there are also

many original shopfronts which

still survive. Original shopfronts

should generally be retained and

restored. Intact shopfronts to

existing early buildings are

characterised by the following

elements:

• Timber shop fittings

• Paired or single entry doors

Masonry or timber stallboards

(sometimes accompanied by

internal display shelf).

Shopfronts of a later 1920s

period are also significant and are


elements:

• Metal shop fittings


• Tiled stallboards and shop front

divisions

• Recessed entrees

New shopfronts in new

development within historic

character areas:

• should be constructed in timber

or powder coated aluminium

with vertically proportioned

divisions

• incorporate a stallboard at the

base in rendered masonry or

panelled timber as appropriate.

New Commercial

D e v e l o p m e n t

Early consultation with the

Heritage Adviser is strongly

recommended when

contemplating a new commercial

building within an existing

streetscape with significant

historic character.

When designing a new building to

fit in to the commercial

streetscape such as St Vincents

Street or Commercial Road, Port

Adelaide) the following principles

should be considered:

Scale, mass and height - the

general scale of adjacent buildings

should be considered. The height

of new buildings should continue

the predominant height of

surrounding buildings.

Consideration should be given to

lining up of parapets and string

courses (new building elements).

Surface decoration - large walls in

new development should be

broken up with surface decoration

and large areas of glass or

unrelieved walls area generally

not appropriate.

Siting and setback - the general

character for existing buildings is that

constructed to front and side street

boundaries. New commercial

buildings should generally be erected

to the footpath alignment, with the

verandah over the footpath,

particularly where these are located

within a consistent streetscape.

Associated car parking should be

located at the rear of the

development.

Streetscape form and general

proportions - existing proportion and

rhythm of architectural elements

such as verandahs, parapets,

windows, doors and pilasters should

be repeated in new development.

Consider continuing the alignment

and form of the adjoining parapet or

taking cues for new designs from

SE M A P H O R E RO A D

F R O N TA G E -

C O N C E P T S K E T C H E S

F O R FA C A D E

I M P R O V E M E N T S

A N D S I G N

P L A C E M E N T.

C O M M E R C I A L GU I D E L I N E S

Advertising Signs

Signs on buildings within

commercial heritage streetscapes

should be simple and clear.

There are logical places for the

location of signs on buildings and

the clutter of signs does not

contribute to the streetscape or

make for effective advertising.

The adjacent indicate clear,

simple typefaces for buildings

within Port Adelaide Enfield.

A clutter of signs on buildings

does not contribute to the

streetscape and can make

advertising unclear and less

effective.

Adopt the following procedures:

Signs above Ve r a n d a h s

Internally illuminated signs above

verandah level should not be

approved. Appropriate signs

above verandahs include:

• Signwriting in the advertising

panel on the parapet with a

simple clear lettering style.

• Where carefully considered, on

a hoarding erected on the

verandah roof (as seen in early

photographs).

• Signs should be illuminated

using external spotlights.

Internally unilluminated signs

should not be permitted above

verandah level.

• Signs should not be erected

which detract from the

architectural elements of the

building and dominate the

streetscape. No signs should be

erected to the face of the

building if windows and

decorative elements allow

no space.

Signs on Ve r a n d a h s

Appropriate signs on verandahs include:

• Those erected perpendicular to the post on a bracket (appropriate for certain

businesses and restaurants).

• Signwriting on the verandah fascia board. This provides the most effective

and clear advertising space. New verandahs should provide fascia

advertising signage panels.

• Signs suspended on end spandrel panel of verandahs.

For signs requiring the use of corporate colours (which are often bright primary

colours) the following steps should be taken:

• Sign panels should be set within a “frame”, the colour of which relates to the

colour scheme of the building.

• Internally illuminated signs should be restricted to under the verandah.

Above verandah signs on the building face should be externally illuminated.

Signs below Ve r a n d a h s

Painted signs on shopfronts are appropriate but should not dominate or clutter

the shopfront window. Early shop windows often had discreet signs painted on

the glass which did not obscure the view of the interior display.

For buildings without verandahs, consideration could also be given to a

separate corporate pole sign, not attached to the building.

CO M M E R C I A L DE V E L O P M E N T - SI G N S5



A B C D E F Times New Roman

Colonna MT

A B C D E F Courier New

A B C D E F Line Draw

TY P E FA C E S S U I TA B L E F O R A D V E RT I S I N G S I G N S I N P O RT A D E L A I D E

AN E X C E L L E N T E X A M P L E O F S I G N S O N A N E A R LY S H O P I N SE M A P H O R E RO A D,

W I T H C L E A R S PA C E A L L O C AT E D TO S I G N S O N T H E V E R A N D A H.


Prepared by

McDougall & Vines



C o m m e rc i a lC O N S E R V A T I O N

G u i d e l i n e s

CO N T E N T S

1 . 0 I n t r o d u c t i o n

2 . 0 Building Significance

3 . 0 Built Form and Materials

4 . 0 New Development

5 . 0 Advertising Signs

Port Adelaide is the historic

maritime heart of South Australia

and is home to some of the finest

historic buildings in the State. It

was officially established in 1840

and by the 1870s wharfs had been

built and solid stone warehouses

and commercial buildings were

erected displaying the Port’s

prosperity. After World War Two

the focus of shipping activity began

to change and the retreat of

waterfront activity has meant that

the Port has retained many of its

impressive nineteenth century

buildings unchanged. Port

Adelaide contains the State’s first

Heritage Area and the adjacent Port

Centre and other Commercial Areas

such as Semaphore Road and Jetty

Road at Largs retain excellent

buildings representative of South

Australia’s heritage.

General principles of conservation

are as follows:

* Alterations and additions - to

existing heritage buildings should

respect the character of the

building in question and not detract

from the character of the precinct

or streetscape as a whole. Relevant

heritage studies held by Council

should be referred to for

background information on

individual buildings.

* Any new buildings should be

carefully designed to fit in with the

character of the streetscape, but not

pretend to be historic buildings

themselves. Detailed guidelines for

new development are outlined

below.

Port Adelaide’s commercial

character largely derives from the

regular placement of buildings with

shops, banks, hotels and public

buildings constructed to street

alignment.

The following guidelines have been

developed for historic character

areas including the Port Adelaide

State Heritage Area and commercial

historic policy areas which are

defined in the Development Plan.

The guidelines aim to assist

applicants and the Port Adelaide

Enfield Council with the retention of

the identified historic character

within commercial streetscapes.

A Heritage Adviser is available at the

Port Adelaide Enfield Council for free

consultation to discuss any proposed

alterations to existing commercial

buildings or new development within

significant commercial streetscapes.

1.0 IN T R O D U C T I O N

TH E U S E O F E A R LY P H O TO G R A P H S I S I M P O RTA N T. BO T H I L L U S T R AT I O N S S H O W

ST VI N C E N T ST R E E T - A B O V E P R I O R TO C O N S T R U C T I O N O F V E R A N D A H S H O W N

I N P H O TO B E L O W

Heritage Surveys have been

undertaken in the Port Adelaide

Enfield Municipality and clarify the

significance of the individual

building. Council can readily

provide information on the heritage

status of individual buildings. In

addition these reports provide

historical information and also

contain early photographs which

have been located during research.

Roofs - throughout Port Adelaide

buildings are generally roofed in

corrugated iron and most shops

have streetfront parapets that serve

to hide the roof behind. These

parapets were generally erected in

masonry and usually contained

carefully designed, urns,

balustrades and render details. In

some cases this decoration has

been removed and the surface is

simplified. The roof configuration

is usually steep in pitch (30 - 35

degrees), and simple in form,

including either hips or gables, or a

combination of both.

Generally the roof is concealed

from view on commercial buildings,

but where the roof is visible, this is

usually steeply pitched. Any

additions should be carefully related

to the existing roof pitch and

materials.

Walls - many of the commercial

buildings in Port Adelaide are

erected in stone, particularly early

warehouses. Other buildings utilise

red brick, which were sometimes

rendered. Corrugated iron was also

an important building material for

warehouse structures, for both walls

and roof, and particularly in the

State Heritage Area and the

Woolstores precinct.

Verandahs - many early verandahs

survive in the commercial streetscapes

of Port Adelaide and Semaphore, but

early photographs show many which

have since been demolished.

Reinstatement of these verandahs

where now missing should be seen as

a long term objective for these

commercial frontages. Verandahs

provide important shelter for

pedestrians, from both the summer

heat and winter rain, and where these

have been removed it is recommended

that they be reinstated to continue the

existing verandahed character. There

are a number of 1920s-30s buildings

which retain cantilevered awnings, and

in some cases installation of post

supported verandahs is not appropriate

where awnings were part of the

original design.

2.0 BU I L D I N G SI G N I F I C A N C E

3.0 BU I LT F O R M A N D MAT E R I A L S

EA R LY P H O TO S (E G ST VI N C E N T ST R E E T 1877-78 [MLSA B4480] A B O V E) S H O W

O R I G I N A L V E R A N D A H S N O W R E M O V E D A N D G E N E R A L C O N F I G U R AT I O N O F B U I L D I N G S

Early photographs provide evidence of architectural elements such as verandahs,

parapets and facades, which may have been altered or removed, and can assist

with the correct and careful restoration of individual buildings.

BU I L D I N G I N CO M M E R C I A L RO A D - T H E R E A R E VA R I O U S O P T I O N S F O R V E R A N D A H B U I L D I N G B U T D E S I G N S S H O U L D B E

S Y M PAT H E T I C TO B U I L D I N G D E S I G N.

Design of new verandahs - the

following principles should be

followed when designing a

verandah for an existing building:

• Refer to any early photographs of

the building which may show the

original design of the verandah.

• Look for evidence on the building

itself which may indicate where

original fixing or flashings of a

verandah was located.

• Inspect other similar buildings

which can provide clues for the

reconstruction of an appropriate

verandah.

• Avoid fancy roof shapes and

elaborate details where these are

not part of the original design.

• Relate the height to any adjoining

verandahs - consider continuing

the height of the adjacent

verandah, or decide whether the

height should be different.

Shopfronts - many original

shopfronts in Port Adelaide have

been removed but there are also

many original shopfronts which still

survive. Original shopfronts should

generally be retained and restored.

Intact shopfronts to existing early

buildings are characterised by the

following elements:

• Timber shop fittings


Masonry or timber stallboards

(sometimes accompanied by

internal display shelf).

3.0 BU I LT F O R M A N D MAT E R I A L S…C O N T

SE M A P H O R E RO A D F R O N TA G E - C O N C E P T S K E T C H E S F O R FA C A D E I M P R O V E M E N T S

A N D S I G N P L A C E M E N T.

TY P I C A L E A R LY

S H O P F R O N T - ST

VI N C E N T ST R E E T

Shopfronts of a later 1920s period

are also significant and are


elements:

• Metal shop fittings


• Tiled stallboards and shop front

divisions

• Recessed entrees

New shopfronts in new

development within historic

character areas

• should be constructed in timber

or powder coated aluminium

with vertically proportioned

divisions

• incorporate a stallboard at the

base in rendered masonry or

panelled timber as appropriate.

SK E T C H O F P R O P O S E D C H A N G E S

TO S H O P F R O N T

a - lower existing brick frontage, render

as shown

b - existing brick division to be rendered

as shown

c - fixed window with panel under in

lieu of entry door to stair (when

internal stair connected)

d - air conditioning duct fo be removed

e - new timber entry doors

f - reclad are above shopfront with

sheeting and position signs here

g - entry floor tiling

Associated car parking should be

located at the rear of the development.

Streetscape form and general

proportions - existing proportion and

rhythm of architectural elements such

as verandahs, parapets, windows,

doors and pilasters should be repeated

in new development. Consider

continuing the alignment and form of

the adjoining parapet or taking cues for

new designs from such elements.

3.0 BU I LT F O R M A N D MAT E R I A L S…C O N T

4.0 NE W DE V E L O P M E N T

1 9 2 0 ’S S H O P F R O N T I N SE M PA H O R E RD

Early consultation with the Heritage

Adviser is strongly recommended

when contemplating a new

commercial building within an

existing streetscape with significant

historic character. When designing

a new building to fit in to the

commercial streetscape such as St

Vincents Street or Commercial

Road, Port Adelaide) the following

principles should be considered:

Scale, mass and height - the general

scale of adjacent buildings should

be considered. The height of new

buildings should continue the

predominant height of surrounding

buildings.

Consideration should be given to

lining up of parapets and string

courses (new building elements).

Surface decoration - large walls in

new development should be broken

up with surface decoration and large

areas of glass or unrelieved walls

area generally not appropriate.

Siting and setback - the general

character for existing buildings is

that constructed to front and side

street boundaries. New commercial

buildings should generally be

erected to the footpath alignment,

with the verandah over the footpath,

particularly where these are located

within a consistent streetscape.

Signs on buildings within

commercial heritage streetscapes

should be simple and clear. There

are logical places for the location

of signs on buildings and the clutter

of signs does not contribute to the

streetscape or make for effective

advertising. The adjacent indicate

clear, simple typefaces for buildings

within Port Adelaide Enfield.

A clutter of signs on buildings does

not contribute to the streetscape

and can make advertising unclear

and less effective.

Adopt the following procedures:

Signs above Ve r a n d a h s

Internally illuminated signs above

verandah level should not be

approved. Appropriate signs above

verandahs include:

• Signwriting in the advertising

panel on the parapet with a

simple clear lettering style.

• Where carefully considered, on a

hoarding erected on the verandah

roof (as seen in early

photographs).

• Signs should be illuminated using

external spotlights. Internally

unilluminated signs should not be

permitted above verandah level.

• Signs should not be erected

which detract from the

architectural elements of the

building and dominate the

streetscape. No signs should be

erected to the face of the building

if windows and decorative

elements allow no space.

Signs on Ve r a n d a h s

Appropriate signs on verandahs

include:

• Those erected perpendicular to

the post on a bracket (appropriate

for certain businesses and

restaurants).

• Signwriting on the verandah fascia

board. This provides the most

effective and clear advertising

space. New verandahs should

provide fascia advertising signage

panels.

• Signs suspended on end spandrel

panel of verandahs.

For signs requiring the use of

corporate colours (which are often

bright primary colours) the following

steps should be taken:

• Sign panels should be set within a

“frame”, the colour of which relates

to the colour scheme of the building.

• Internally illuminated signs should be

restricted to under the verandah.

Above verandah signs on the

building face should be externally

illuminated.

Signs below Ve r a n d a h s

Painted signs on shopfronts are

appropriate but should not dominate or

clutter the shopfront window. Early

shop windows often had discreet signs

painted on the glass which did not

obscure the view of the interior display.

For buildings without verandahs,

consideration could also be given to a

separate corporate pole sign, not

attached to the building

5.0 AD V E R T I S I N G SI G N S

AN E X C E L L E N T E X A M P L E O F S I G N S O N A N E A R LY S H O P I N SE M A P H O R E RO A D

A B C D E F Times New Roman

Colonna MT

A B C D E F Courier New

A B C D E F Line Draw

TY P E FA C E S S U I TA B L E F O R A D V E RT I S I N G S I G N S I N PO RT AD E L A I D E


F e n c i n gG U I D E L I N E S

E x a m p l e s

Prepared by

McDougall & Vines



VI E W O F EA R LY HO U S E I N DA L E ST R E E T C1860 - N O T E T I M B E R P I C K E T F E N C E, A N D

D I V I D I N G P O S T S W I T H T O P S.

PO R T AD E L A I D E EN F I E L D FE N C I N G GU I D E L I N E S

EA R LY P I C K E T F E N C I N G A D J A C E N T T O ST PA U L S CH U R C H, ST VI N C E N T ST R E E T C1 8 6 0S

Photographs of early fencing in the centre of Port Adelaide

Pillars and base could could be rendered and simpler spear heads used

Wrought Iron and Masonry Fence c1870 - 1890



c1870 - 1890 Cast Iron Railing Fence

G AT E

S TA N D A R D

S TO N E P L I N T H W I T H

B R I C K C O P I N G

S TAY

P I V O T T I N G

G AT E H I N G E

C A S T I R O N

R A I L I N G TO P

C A S T O R W R O U G H T

I R O N R A I L I N G S E T

I N L E A D


Timber Picket Fencing to Fronts of Cottages c1880 - 1900

PI C K E T S GA P

HE I G H T

PO S T S


c1890 Ripple Iron Fencing

As above is at 28 Queen Street, Alberton fence construction with timber posts, rails and

base, fine fluted iron and acorn details to post tops.


c1870 - 1900 Masonry and Iron Fencing Duplex

at 59-60 The Esplanade


c1880 - 1900 Masonry and Iron Fencing

Example at 19 South Terrace, Semaphore


Typical Picket Fencing c1900 - 1920

Different options would include shaped pickets timber rail at the base instead of brick

plinth, and different treatment to top of intermediate posts as per following page


Timber Picket Fence Details

(Available at most Timber Picket fence fabricators; specifically at All Type Fencing

at Norwood)

General Note: For new

fencing to existing

housing, avoid over

fancy fence styles, and

elaborate elements as

over fussy fencing is

generally

inappropriate.

RA N G E O F

PI C K E T TO P S

FE N C E PO S T DE TA I L

FE N C E PO S T DE TA I L

CA S T ME TA L TO P S


Timber Picket Fencing c1900

Example at 17 Glebe Street, Alberton


c1900 - 1910 Fencing

Ripple Iron and timber example at 727 Torrens Road, Alberton


c1910 Timber Paling Fence on Brick Plinth


c1900 - 1910 Fencing (cont)

Ripple Iron and timber example at 727 Torrens Road, Alberton


c1915 Timber Paling Fence


Example at 48 Bullar Terrace, Alberton; the above timber fence would be appropriate for a

house of this period

c1925 Corrugated Iron OR Paling Fence


c1920s - 1940s Cyclone Mesh

Example at 56 Buller Street Terrace, Alberton, a simple Bungalow Fencing


c1920s - 1930s Picket Fencing

Example at 8 Harrold Street, Largs Bay


c1920s Timber Picket Fencing


c1920s - 1930s Timber Picket Fencing


c1920 Timber Paling Fencing

Fence Pillars:

HE R I TA G E PI E R S

PO Box 280

FINDON SA 5023

Ph 243 1140 or 0 15 3 98 807

FO R M HO M E IM P R O V E M E N T S

10 Stuart Road

MAGILL SA 5072

Ph 333 2225

Gate Pillars:

PE R I O D HO M E IM P R O V E M E N T S

17 High Street

DRY CREEK SA 5094

Ph 260 4050

Picket Fencing:

AD E L A I D E PI C K E T S PT Y LT D

38 Scotland Road

MILE END SOUTH SA 5031

Ph 352 7375

AL L TY P E FE N C I N G CO. PT Y LT D

26 Chapel Street

NORWOOD SA 5067

Ph 362 2923

(This company also does masonry and iron fencing)

HE R I TA G E FE N C E S A N D PE R G O L A S

4 Ravenswood Avenue

NORWOOD SA 5067

Ph 378 2645

FE D E R AT I O N PI C K E T S A N D PE R G O L A S

9 Benjamin Street

NEWTON SA 5074

Ph 365 2000 Mobile (018) 83 6186

ME T R O P O L I TA N FE N C I N G

10 Ekalla Court

MODBURY NORTH SA 5092

Ph 396 0555

IR O N PA L I S A D E S A N D GAT E S:

West Side Manufacturing

372 Findon Road

KIDMAN PARK SA 5025

Ph 356 4206

Contact: Jim Richardson

FI N C A S T FO U N D RY

974 Port Road

ALBERTON PARK SA 5014

Ph 268 7144

Contact: Glen Pettman

(For reproductions of old castings, particularly Harley

“Sun” Foundry fencing and gate components)

Fencing Components

Crimped wire - available from:

FE D E R AT I O N TR A D I N G

127 Waymouth Street

ADELAIDE SA 5000

Ph 212 3400

ST E P N E Y SA LVA G E

25 East Terrace

THEBARTON SA 5031

Ph 352 4855


AP P E N D I X 1: FE N C I N G SU P P L I E S

The following is not an exhaustive list of suppliers and sources of components for traditional fencing are now becoming

widely available.


Fences proposed within Historic Conservation Zones, the State Heritage Area and on individual State Heritage sites

require Development Act approval. Approval can be sought by submitting the following to Council:-

• completed Development Aplication form,

• relevant fees,

• scaled site plan (1:100) showing the location of the proposed fence,

• scaled elevation plan (1:100) showing fencing materials and style,

• structural details and engineers report where necessary,

• photos of the original fence where available, and

• confirmation of whether an existing fence is to be demolished.


Residential C O N S E R V A T I O N

G u i d e l i n e s

Prepared by

McDougall & Vines



1 . 0 I n t r o d u c t i o n

2 . 0 General Conservation Principles

3 . 0 Character Of Houses In Port Adelaide

3 . 1 Pre 1870s Houses and Cottages

3 . 2 1870s - 1900s Houses and Cottages



3 . 5 Later Residences

4 . 0 Fences And Gates

5 . 0 G a r d e n s

6 . 0 Carports And Garages

7 . 0 New Residential Development

CO N T E N T S

RE S I D E N T I A L CO N S E RVAT I O N GU I D E L I N E S

“ YATA B O O L I N G A” 128 TH E ES P L A N A D E, SE M A P H O R E I N C1 9 1 0

Port Adelaide has an excellent

stock of houses of historic

character which range in age

from the 1860s to the immediate

post war period of the late 1950s.

The stylistic details and variations

in each period create a very

special character in many areas of

the city. While some of these

residences have individual social,

cultural and historic value, most

of the houses are apart of the

collective character of the Port.

These conservation guidelines are

designed to assist property

owners who wish to carry out

alterations or additions to

residences which contribute to

the character of Port Adelaide.

These guidelines were

commissioned by the City of Port

Adelaide to assist with both the

implementation of ongoing

appropriate development within

delineated Historic (Conservation)

Zones in the Development Plan

and houses with historic

character throughout the whole of

the City of Port Adelaide.

The City of Port Adelaide

Development Plan contains a

residential plan section within

which fourteen residential policy

areas have been outlined. Three

Heritage Conservation Policy

Areas have been identified;

Semaphore/Largs Bay Heritage

Conservation Area, Exeter

Heritage Conservation Area, and

Alberton/Rosewater Heritage

Conservation Area. These are a

result of the Greater Port Adelaide

Heritage Survey undertaken in

1988-89, which identified a

number of precincts of strong

historic character. This Heritage

Study also documents

approximately 200 places for

consideration at a National, State

or Local level of significance, the

majority of which are residential

properties. Some of these places

have now been assessed for

inclusion on the State Heritage

Register. The remaining places

have been incorporated as

“buildings which contribute to the

desired character of the policy

area which should be maintained

and restored”.

There are development control

provisions included in the

Development Plan. Buildings

listed for their historic character

should not be demolished prior to

consent being granted to a

replacement dwelling that also

contributes to the historic

character of the area.

Port Adelaide Council planning

and development staff and the

Council’s Heritage Advisors are

available to comment on sketch

proposals and to meet on site if

required with builders, architects

and owners to discuss

development proposals.

Early discussion with Council officers

is to be encouraged to ensure

sympathetic Council response at the

time of lodgement of the planning

application.

In the normal course of events, a

carefully restored and maintained

house which reflects the period of its

construction should not lose value.

This has been the experience to date

interstate and in other Adelaide

suburbs.

More detailed information on the

historical period and construction

details and styles of Port Adelaide

architecture can be found in the

various heritage surveys that have

been undertaken by McDougall &

Vines for Port Adelaide Council.

These are:

• Port Adelaide Conservation Study,

1977

• Semaphore Road Development

Project, Heritage Assessment, 1987

• Greater Port Adelaide, Heritage

Survey, 1988-89

• Port Adelaide Centre Heritage

Survey, 1994.

These are available at Council.

IN T R O D U C T I O N1 . 0

TU RTO N ST R E E T, SE M A P H O R E I N 1928. (PO RT AD E L A I D E CO U N C I L RE C O R D S)

These Conservation Guidelines

are intended to help people to

understand the character of

houses within Port Adelaide so

that property owners are then

able to restore their houses and

sympathetically undertake

alterations, extensions and new

development, particularly within

important early housing areas.

Property owners need to be

aware of house styles and the

materials and elements

appropriate for their particular

residence.

For houses within Conservation

Areas, the whole site should be

considered. The fence, garage,

extensions, garden and

landscaping should all be

considered as part of the total

process of house restoration, and

the suggestions in these

guidelines are for guidance only,

Individual assessment by Council

of extensions or alterations to

buildings as part of the planning

and buildings approval process is

still required.

TH E FO L L O W I N G PR I N C I P L E S

SH O U L D BE CO N S I D E R E D BE F O R E

AN OW N E R UN D E RTA K E S AN Y

WO R K ON A HO U S E:

• Understand the style

It is extremely important to

understand the period and style of

the house. Adding elements and

details of another style or period

to a house that is being restored

should be avoided at all costs.

Port Adelaide contains a wide

range of housing styles and many

of these houses or groups of

houses have been altered over

time in an effort to modernise

them, sometimes concealing the

original detailing. In some cases

reference to early photographs can

provide evidence of the original

appearance of the house. Where

careful restoration and

reconstruction of the original

detailing is proposed, property

owners should locate intact

houses of the same period and

style to serve as a guide for

restoration and to provide

examples for tradesmen to match.

• Retain original elements

If the house has retained details or

finishes such as verandah brackets,

finials, timber window frames,

unpainted brick or stone, and ogee

gutters which date from the time of

its construction, be sure to keep as

much as possible during any work on

the building. This will ensure the

original character and feeling of the

age of the house is retained.

• Take care with new materials

Carefully consider any materials and

methods used for repairing,

reinstating or replacing elements. If

work is being undertaken on the

original part of the house it should

match early work and be

appropriate. The colour, shape,

profile, materials, fixing or

construction methods should match

the original or blend imperceptibly

with details already there.

• Seek advice when required

Get expert advice if it is necessary, as

it can be a time and money saving

process. When considering work on

an early residence the use of a

qualified architect, with expertise

and experience in the areas of house

restoration and design of extensions

and new infill residences, is strongly

encouraged, as this leads to

considerable savings in time, energy

and frustration.

If the house is particularly distinctive

or unusual it may have special

qualities which warrant extra care.

GE N E R A L CO N S E RVAT I O N PR I N C I P L E S2 . 0

TU RTO N ST R E E T, SE M A P H O R E I N 1928. (PO RT AD E L A I D E CO U N C I L RE C O R D S)

3.1 Pre 1870s Houses &

C o t t a g e s

Representative examples:

• Brick and Stone Cottages

78-80 Queens St, Alberton

13, 15 Exmouth Rd, Exeter

11-15 Sutherland St, Glanville

121 Long St, Queenstown

1-11 Ann St, Rosewater

102 Semaphore Rd, Semaphore

• Timber Cottages

11 Carlisle St, Ethelton

21-25 Castle St, Glanville

15-21 Blackler St, Semaphore

Due to the early date of subdivision

and settlement in Port Adelaide,

examples of very early residences

survive in a number of areas such as

in Semaphore near the Jetty, parts of

Alberton, Queenstown, Exeter,

Birkenhead and Glanville, where

small villages developed.

Generally houses of this early period

are simple in structure and plan,

although some larger houses, such

as John Harts Glanville Hall, were

built. Single storey houses can

generally be identified by their low

wall height and elements such as

twelve pane double hung windows.

The typical wall material is stone

and brick work, although some early

timber houses survive from this date,

particularly in Semaphore where

problems with transportation across

the sand dunes and a lack of a fresh

water supply made stone or brick

houses expensive. In some cases

houses have been rendered over

with the original building material

concealed. Wooden shingles or

slate tiles were common early

roofing materials, but these have

been covered or replaced by

corrugated iron in almost all cases.

CH A R A C T E R OF HO U S E S IN PO R T AD E L A I D E3 . 0

AN E A R LY R E N D E R E D C O T TA G E I N LO N G ST R E E T, QU E E N S TO W N

- N O T E: S I M P L E V E R A N D A H D E TA I L

TI M B E R C O T TA G E S I N BL A C K E R ST R E E T, SE M A P H O R E

STO N E A N D B R I C K R O W H O U S E S, QU E E N ST R E E T, AL B E RTO N

Conservation Guidelines

The most important principle

underlying work on these early

houses is to ensure that the early

form of the residence is not

altered or concealed. Also

extreme care should be taken

when working on these early

residences to ensure that the

original fabric of the building is

not damaged.

If reroofing is required, the

simple roof form should be

retained. Slates, if they remain,

can be replaced or repaired, but

the most suitable material for

reroofing is corrugated iron.

Gutters should be half round or

ogee profile not modern square

gutters or quad guttering.

The front elevation is of great

importance and the original

openings should be retained even

though these are often quite small.

Timber joinery to windows and

doors should be retained or

reinstated where required. The

use of aluminium windows in

enlarged openings is not

appropriate on the original section

of these early houses.

Original external finishes

should be carefully considered.

Brickwork and stonework which is

unpainted should be retained.

Removal of later render or paintwork

to brick and stone can be undertaken

if extreme care is used. Sandblasting

should not be used as this pits the

face of brickwork and stonework

causing damage.

Mortar repointing should be

carefully undertaken using weak lime

mortar (9 parts sand : 3 parts lime

:1/4 part cement, 1/4 white cement),

with the addition of oxides to match

the mortar colour to the original.

Original paint colours can be

determined by paint scraping. This is

undertaken using a sharp blade and

carefully slicing through the layers of

paint to reveal the original colour.

Care should be taken not to confuse

the undercoat with the original

colour. In many cases coloured lime

washes of a white or stone colour

were applied to original render

finishes.

Extensions And Alterations

Any extensions and alterations to

these early houses should be

undertaken with great care and

sensitivity, repeating the scale and

detailing of the original building.

The traditional method of extending

small residences was with a sloping

skillion roof at the rear. However,

this only provides one or two extra

small rooms and where additional

space is required alternative

extension methods are desirable.

The following sketches show

examples of how extensions to early

cottages can be achieved.

PR E 1 8 7 0S HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S (C O N T)3 . 1

AB O V E: S I M P L E C O T TA G E

BE L O W: E X T E N S I O N

(S H A D E D) R E P E AT S F O R M


W I T H V E R A N D A H A D D E D

BE L O W: E X T E N S I O N

(S H A D E D) R E P E AT S F O R A N D

V E R A N D A H E L E M E N T


W I T H S I D E W I N G A D D E D

BE L O W: T W O S TO R E Y

E X T E N S I O N (S H A D E D)

R E P E AT S F O R M A N D

W O U L D N O T D O M I N AT E

B U I L D I N G W H E N V I E W E D

F R O M S T R E E T


7 Coburg Rd, Alberton

22-29 Melbourne Pl, Alberton

4 Dudley St, Semaphore

59-60 The Esplanade,

Semaphore

106 the Esplanade, Semaphore

115 The Esplanade, Semaphore

With the extension of roads,

public transport routes and the

growth of suburbs, large numbers

of houses were constructed in

Port Adelaide during this period.

Sandstone and bluestone were

most commonly used, although

some timber continued to be

utilised. Typically, the front

elevation was either symmetrical

or with a projecting bay or wing.

Verandahs became an important

design feature of houses of all

sizes from this period, and were

constructed in a variety of forms -

straight, concave or bell cast -

elaborated with cast iron brackets

and friezes, and often painted in

contrasting stripes. The details

were either Italianate (classical) or

Gothic Revival derivations.

Many examples of these

residences can be found

throughout the Semaphore/Largs

Bay, Exeter and

Alberton/Rosewater Heritage

Conservation Areas, often built in

groups on newly subdivided

sections. In particular, the

residential development along the

semaphore Esplanade was

characterised by single and two

storey residential buildings of

high quality. Houses of this

period were sometimes

constructed as semi-detached

pairs or in rows with similar

stylistic details.

Two storeyed examples were also

constructed for wealthier residents

(particularly doctors), but the basic

symmetry of the plan and stylistic

details remained common to all

sizes of residences.

VI C T O R I A N HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 8 7 0S - 1900S3 . 2

TH E H O U S E O F SY D N E Y MA L I N, L A N D A G E N T, DA L E ST R E E T I N 1 8 7 7

“ CA PA N A R A” 106 TH E ES P L A N A D E, SE M A P H O R E

TO P: A P O S T C A R D V I E W D AT E D C1 9 0 8

BE L O W: CU R R E N T V I E W O F T H E H O U S E


Any external work to these houses should retain original materials and

finishes, particularly unpainted brick or stone, and the use of corrugated

iron as the roofing materials.

Gutters should match the original ogee profile guttering, and round

downpipes should also be used.

Windows and doors should be retained in their original configuration,

particularly to the front elevation and enlargement or replacement with

modern aluminium counterparts is not appropriate.

Decorative plaster and render or timber mouldings around windows and

doors and at eaves level should be maintained and repaired where required.

Verandahs are a significant element in the design of these houses and

should be retained in their original configuration. All detailing should be

retained and reinstated where necessary, including wall plated and capital

moulds. It is often possible to determine the profile of missing capital

moulds by evidence and trance left in the render of the wall.

Original finishes and colours should be reinstated if possible, or, repainting

undertaken in appropriate colours for the period.

Pant scrapes can be undertaken and

reference to early photographs will

indicate the appropriate location of

dark and light colours.


The external form and scale of these

houses should still be clearly visible

from the street.

Any extensions should be sited so

that the original house is not

obscured or altered significantly.

This means generally that additions

should be to the rear or side of the

house, and incorporated into the

overall structure of the house.

Additions should be similar in scale

and respect the form of the original

building. New openings should

reflect the size, proportions and

position of existing doors and

windows when new work is visible

from the street.

VI C T O R I A N HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 8 7 0S - 1900S (C O N T)3 . 2

1. Lean-to with skillion roof addition

This is the simplest form of extension to an old house. It

necessitates a lower ceiling height and discontinuous gutter line.

This is the traditional inexpensive form of early extension to

original villas.

2. Lean-to with wing addition

This continues the skillion addition principle and incorporates an

additional wing.

3. Wing Addition

This form of addition extends one of the parallel roof ridges,

maintaining existing gutter line and ridge height. The existing

ceiling height throughout can be maintained.

4. Pavilion Addition

This extension uses a separate roof which echoes the original form

and is connected to the house by a lower linking section.

1 2 3 4

1 EL E VAT I O N O F LE A N-TO E X T E N S I O N

W I T H S K I L L I O N R O O F A D D I T I O N

2 EL E VAT I O N O F LE A N-TO E X T E N S I O N

W I T H WI N G AD D I T I O N

3 EL E VAT I O N O F WI N G AD D I T I O N

4 EL E VAT I O N O F PAV I L L I O N AD D I T I O N

SO U T H TE R R A C E,

SE M A P H O R E

- N O T E E L A B O R AT E C A S T

I R O N B R A C K E T S A N D

PA I R E D P O S T S TO

V E R A N D A H

59-60 TH E ES P L A N A D E,

SE M A P H O R E

- A PA I R O F H O U S E S

D E S I G N E D A S O N E

B U I L D I N G

19 SO U T H TE R R A C E,

SE M A P H O R E

- L AT E R C O N S T R U C T I O N

D AT E (C1912) B U T S A M E

D E S I G N E L E M E N T S

VI C T O R I A N HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 8 7 0S - 1900S (C O N T)3 . 2

Consequently these houses are

scattered throughout the suburbs

and also concentrated in sections of

Semaphore and Largs Bay where

subdivision occurred after the turn

of the century with the opening up

of the foreshore roads of the

LeFevre Peninsular.

This was a period of transitional

design with several styles emerging

as variations from the earlier

Victorian style. The most notable

change was from the more regularly

arranged earlier plans of houses.


28 QU E E N S ST R E E T, AL B E RTO N

14 RU S S E L L PL A C E, AL B E RTO N

233 RO B I N RO A D, LA R G S BAY

35 AN T H O N Y ST R E E T, SE M A P H O R E

? HA L L ST R E E T, SE M A P H O R E

161 TH E ES P L A N A D E, SE M A P H O R E

Houses from this period were

constructed in Port Adelaide in

newly subdivided areas or blocks

which were re-subdivided from

large allotments.

This variation of plans and the

resulting more complicated roof

forms that developed increased the

use of gambrel roofs and projecting

gablets. During this period the profile

of roof finials changed to a

gooseneck form on may houses,

while some continued using the

pointed finial.

There was also a move away from

classically derived cast iron

embellishment to a more simplified

form of timber strapping in gables

and details to verandahs.

Due to the depressed nature of the

economy during the 1890s the use of

corrugated iron and pressed tin as

external cladding for walls became

common for less expensive houses.

However, the more substantial

houses continued to be constructed

mainly of rock faced sandstone with

dressings of stone and brick. On the

whole the main difference between

Victorian and Edwardian house was

that the openings to the front

elevations ere no longer arranged

symmetrically around centrally

placed entrance doors and windows

often became grouped, indicating the

change in plan layout from the

earlier central passage form. Roofs

were often clad in the new form of

Marseilles terra cotta tiles, although

many houses continued to have their

roofs clad in corrugated iron.

Architects during this time

experimented with various

derivations of style including Art

Nouveau, Arts and Crafts and Queen

Anne, and the house at 35 Anthony

Street, Semaphore, is quite unusual

in its distinctive use in front elevation

and materials. The house at 161 The

Esplanade, Semaphore is also an

excellent example of a change in

styling an detailing, resulting in a

distinctive residence.

ED WA R D I A N HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 9 0 0S - 1920S3 . 3

28 QU E E N ST R E E T, AL B E RTO N

TO P: AT T H E T U R N O F T H E C E N T U RY- N O T E U N PA I N T E D S TO N E, A N D I R O N

A N D T I M B E R F E N C E ( PO RT AD E L A I D E CO U N C I L RE C O R D S)

BO T TO M: C U R R E N T V I E W O F S A M E H O U S E - N O T E V E R A N D A H I N F I L L,

PA I N T E D S TO N E

ED WA R D I A N HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 9 0 0S - 1920S ( CO N T)3 . 3

22 DE R B Y ST R E E T,

SE M A P H O R E

- N O T E U N PA I N T E D S TO N E

A N D B R I C K

30 KA N O W N A RO A D,

LA R G S BAY

- N O T E C O M P L I C AT E D

R O O F F O R M

25 HA L L ST R E E T,

SE M A P H O R E

- N O T E V E R A N D A H T R I M

Typical edwardian houses and cottages


It is important to note that some

houses built during this time were

traditional in nature and some

were innovative. Therefore it is

important to determine exactly

what the original materials and

details were, and these should be

respected and retained wherever

intact. If stone and brick wall

surfaces are unpainted these

should remain, and original door

and window elements should be

retained and maintained. Timber

elements to verandah should be

carefully repaired and paint

finishes kept in good conditions

to ensure durability of

these details.

Extensions AndA l t e r a t i o n s

While these houses are less rigid

in design than earlier Victorian

residences extensions and

alterations should be undertaken

in a sympathetic manner which

does not detract from the already

established original design of the

building. Roof forms should be

extended or repeated, and new

materials should continue the

original material, or be of a

complementary nature.

Timber strapping, finials and other

decorative elements to the roof

including ridge tiles and elaborate

chimneys should be retained

and restored.

Gutters continued to be ogee profile

and these should be reinstated to

ensure a crisp finish to the roof and

verandahs. Darker browns and

creams were a common colour

combination, particularly with

houses with terracotta Marseille tile

roofs. External colour schemes for

houses of this period tended to be

stronger in tone than early Victorian

buildings and paint scrapes will

indicate the original colours for most

sections. However, the traditional

pattern of dark gutters, lighter fascias

and a light scotia band highlighting

the detailing continued during

this period.

ED WA R D I A N HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 9 0 0S - 1920S ( CO N T)3 . 3

14 FU S S E L L PL A C E, AL B E RTO N - H O U S E C O N S T R U C T E D O F C O R R U G AT E D I R O N

A N D S H E E T M E TA L P R E S S E D TO R E S E M B L E R O C K FA C E D S A N D S TO N E

Extension possibilities for1900-1920s Houses

Original detailing reflected in

extension at side or rear of the house

(shown shaded and outlined)

ED WA R D I A N HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 9 0 0S - 1920S (C O N T)3 . 3

“ MI R R I N YA M” 35 AN T H O N Y

ST R E E T, LA R G S BAY

- A P O S T C A R D V I E W C1 9 1 0

( RI T T E R)

A C U R R E N T V I E W O F T H E

S A M E H O U S E W I T H PA I N T E D

S TO N E A N D R E N D E R A N D

C H A N G E S TO U P P E R

W I N D O W S

161 TH E ES P L A N A D E,

SE M A P H O R E (RHS) A N

I N T E R E S T I N G VA R I AT I O N

F R O M T H E T Y P I C A L D E S I G N S

Edwardian Houses


2 AN G A S PL A C E, AL B E RTO N

24 BR O U G H A M PL A C E, AL B E RTO N

443 MI L I TA RY RO A D, LA R G S BAY

165 MI L I TA RY RO A D, SE M A P H O R E




Houses of this decade exhibited a

significant stylistic change from

earlier periods, with the

introduction of new design trends

from America and Britain, and the

full development of earlier styles.

Various economic influences also

affected the building of

residences.

State Bank financed houses,

usually in a modified Bungalow

style, were built during tis period,

particularly for returned soldiers,

and Rosewater contains a large

area of hoses constructed as part

of the 1,000 Homes Scheme after

the First World War. Other houses

from this period are scattered

throughout Port Adelaide built on

later subdivisions or on allotments

subdivided from larger estates.

The use of terracotta tiles or

corrugated iron for roofing

material continued through this

period, but a noticeable increase

in the number of houses

constructed of face red brick

rather than stone gives an

indication of the change of

economic circumstances and

production of building materials.

Bungalow style residences are

patterned on the Californian or

American bungalow of the early 20th

century, and some earlier examples

of this style can be seen in Port

Adelaide also. Port Adelaide does

not contain a large number of Tudor

style houses compared to other

suburbs.

The plan of all of the house styles

from this period is generally

asymmetrical except for the very

small State Bank houses which

adapted the new detailing to more

simplified plans. Verandahs, where

they are used incorporate much more

complicated verandah piers than

earlier houses, including strong

masonry piers of brick, stone or

rendered masonry or solid concrete

columns. The verandah often is

included under the main roof pitch.

During this period between the wars,

doors and windows were elaborated

by the division into small panes of

the upper pane of double hung sash

windows and the division of doors

into three horizontal panels with the

top panel often glazed with leadlight

or coloured glass

BE T W E E N TH E WA R S - HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 9 2 0S - 1930S3 . 4

TH E CO B B L E S, 2 AN G A S PL A C E,

AL B E RTO N



It is important to note that houses

from this period are different from

Victorian or Edwardian residences

and display a particular

distinctive style of their own. Any

work done on these residences

should retain the original

detailing of the hose style and not

attempt to add details which are

not appropriate to the design or

which were used on houses of an

earlier period. For example, the

urge to employ cast iron detailing

on verandahs should be resisted,

and finials are generally not

appropriate.

Extensions AndA l t e r a t i o n s

As these houses have a distinctive

style the front elevation is

particularly important, and any

extensions and alterations should

not detract from the original

design intent of the front of the

house. Extensions should

compliment the original house

and be sympathetic to the style of

the original building.

Materials for extension should

utilise the original construction

material of brick or stone, or be

in a compatible material such as

cement render. Siting of

additions should respect the

character of the original building

and minimise the impact of

change from the street. Additions

should generally be located to the

rear of the building or to one side

where this is not visible from the

street.Extensions should be similar

in scale to the original building

and respect the existing building

form. Roof form and pitch should

closely resemble or match the

existing building repeating eaves

and gable projections where

appropriate. The following

sketches indicate three alternative

extensions and their appropriate

location.

Appropriate Siting

Unpainted brickwork and face stone

should be retained and any later

paintwork removed with care.

Sandblasting should be avoided. Also

unpainted concrete render details, such

as lintels over windows should remain

unpainted. Care of unglazed terracotta

Marseilles tiles should be undertaken.

These should not be replaced with

concrete or aluminium form tiles.

Terracotta tiles in this Marseilles pattern

are now available from suppliers and damaged tiles should be repaired or

replaced rather that the whole house being re-roofed. Gutters of houses during

this period changed from ogee profile to a “D” gutter and this is the correct

gutter form for houses of this period.

BE T W E E N TH E WA R S - HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 9 2 0S - 1930S ( CO N T)3 . 4

1. WI N G AD D I T I O N (P I T C H E D R O O F R E P E AT I N G P I T C H O F R O O F

TO B O D Y O F H O U S E

2. PAV I L I O N AD D I T I O N (E X T E N S I O N W I T H S E PA R AT E R O O F F R O M M A I N H O U S E)

3. LE A N TO AD D I T I O N (A L E S S S U C C E S S F U L., C H E A P E R F O R M W I T H L O W E R

C E I L I N G H E I G H T S)

BE T W E E N TH E WA R S - HO U S E S AN D CO T TA G E S 1 9 2 0S - 1930S ( CO N T)3 . 4

171 MI L I TA RY RO A D,

SE M A P H O R E

24 WI G L E Y ST R E E T,

LA R G S BAY

22 RO S Y L N ST R E E T,

LA R G S BAY

156 TH E ES P L A N A D E,

SE M A P H O R E


19 RO S Y L N ST, LA R G S BAY

35 MCNI C O L TC E, RO S E WAT E R

After the Second World War thee

was a period of austerity in house

building for sometime due to the

lack of materials and the

economic conditions of the post-

war period. The introduction of

State Government financed

Housing Trust residences led to

the construction of large numbers

of these houses throughout Port

Adelaide. The first was built in

Rosewater in 1937. Large

numbers of War Service homes

were also constructed, but these

were similar in style to other

houses built at the time. The

Bungalow style continued into

this period. However, designs

initially seen in the pre-war

period were developed after the

war, including Spanish Mission,

English Manor/Art and Crafts

styles, and also a form of “art

deco” with streamlined detailing.

Other houses were more simple

in design and detail, and these

have been termed “austerity”.


Houses of this period tend to be

simpler in detailing than earlier

residences, and this should be

respected when work is

undertaken on these houses.

Face stone and brickwork should

remain unpainted and terracotta

or cement tiles repaired where

required. Often the houses of this

period were rendered and painted

with a cementitious pant such as

Boncote or Murabond.

Surfaces treated in this manner should continue to be maintained and the same

surface finish continued to be used. These cementitious paints allow the

render to breathe, whereas painting with flat acrylics can create problems as

water can collect behind the plastic surface. Timber window and door joinery

should be well maintained, and those houses with metal window frames

should have them carefully treated with rust proof paint, and the surface

maintained to ensure durability. Any brick banding string courses or plinth

work should be retained as face brickwork.


The basic principles of extension and alteration should apply to houses of this

period. The front elevation and areas viewed from the street should be

changed as little as possible and new sections to the house constructed at the

rear or side. The extension should be complimentary to the original finish and

detailing of the main body of the house.

LAT E R RE S I D E N C E S3 . 5

9 RO S Y L N ST R E E T, LA R G S BAY - S I M P L I F I E D TU D O R

35 MCNI C O L TE R R A C E, RO S E WAT E R - F I R S T HO U S I N G TR U S T H O M E

4.1 IN T R O D U C T I O N

Fences are very important in the

overall streetscape and an

appropriate fence can enhance the

appearance of a residential

property, being an important

component of the presentation of

the house. In addition, fencing is

important to provide some privacy

and security. Recent studies have

indicated that an open appearance

to the front of the dwelling

provides greater opportunities for

surveillance of properties by

adjacent residents and people in

the street. When the volume of

traffic is low in a street there is

generally no need for high walling

to reduce the noise level.

However, greater separation from

traffic noise can be warranted in

high volume traffic areas and the

volume of traffic use will impact

on the type of fencing which is

appropriate.

4.2 PO I N T S TO

CO N S I D E R WH E N

DE S I G N I N G A NE W

FE N C E

• Consider the date of construction

and the style of house and

determine an appropriate fence

suitable for this period.

Drawings and photographs have

been compiled in a separate

volume to provide guidelines

and photographs, and

photographs in Section 3 are also

useful.

• Look at other similar houses and

consider the design of fences

used.

• If the house is a part of a row of cottages consider whether the fence design

is suitable for the row of cottages. Liaise with neighbours and attempt to

determine a suitable fence for the street.

• For semi-detached dwellings (ie an attached house or duplex) consider the

adjacent fencing, if the neighbouring existing fencing is appropriate for the

style of the duplex consider continuing the fence design.

• If constructing a fence in front of an early villa, consider the use of second

hand materials such as second hand bricks which will compliment the early

bricks of the house.

• Fence posts and plinths are now available in pee-cast concrete and these can

be used instead of fully constructed masonry posts if required.

• Use cast aluminium palisades or second hand cast iron palisades if

appropriate. Avoid the use of modern tubular aluminium fencing where the

palisades sit in front of the horizontal bars - these resemble modern

swimming pool fences and are not appropriate fences in front of historic

houses.

• Many fence companies provide a range of picket profiles and fence post

designs and tops for timber picket fences. These components come in a

variety of heights. Consider the height and scale of components in relation

to the house in question and surrounding properties. Try to match the picket

design to the fence post top.

FE N C E S AN D GAT E S4 . 0

CL A R K E ST R E E T, SE M A P H O R E 1928 (PO RT AD E L A I D E EN F I E L D CO U N C I L

RE C O R D S) NO T E: F E N C E S O F C O R R U G AT E D I R O N I N T I M B E R F R A M E S

4.3 EX I S T I N G

FE N C I N G

RE G U L AT I O N S

Under the Development Act

1993, a fence is considered to be

a “structure” and approvals may

be required for the erection,

alteration or removal of a fence.

Contact the Port Adelaide Council

to determine if a permit is

required for your proposed

new fence.

Within Historic (Conservation)

Policy areas approvals are

required for front boundary

fences and all fences on street

frontages where the house is on a

corner block. Within Historic

(Conservation) Policy areas the

Port Adelaide Development Plan

recommends:

• Erection of fences sympathetic

to the style of the house on the

site.

• Relatively low and open

fencing to enable some of the

dwelling to be visible from the

road. Retention and

reinstatement of original

fencing and gates where

possible.

• New fencing should be

constructed in appropriate

design, height and materials for

the particular house, and the

fence should be appropriate in

the streetscape.

4.4 AP P R O P R I AT E

FE N C I N G ST Y L E S AN D

MAT E R I A L S

Note: a separate guidelines

manual has be prepared which

contains drawings and

photographs of appropriate fences

for different periods. This

document can be referred to at the

Port Adelaide Enfield Council.

Pre 1880 Cottages

and Houses

• timber picket, simple masonry

and cast iron palisade, timber

dowelling.

Circa 1880-1890 cottages,

villas and houses of the

Victorian Period

• timber picket, timber dowelling,

masonry and cast iron (or

aluminium counterpart)

• Corrugate iron or mini orb with

timber framing

Circa 1900-1920

Edwardian houses

• timber picket and paling, woven

crimped wire, corrugated iron or

mini orb within timber framing.

Circa 1920s-1930

Between the Wars houses

(Bungalows, State Bank

h o u s e s )

• timber paling, wore mesh and

timber or tube framing, woven

crimped wire, masonry with

galvanised steel ribbon, brick to

match house detailing.

Post 1940s

• masonry base with wrought

steel, wire mesh and timber or

tube framing.

Brush Fencing

This material was introduced after

the Second World War in Adelaide

and has a useful role to play as infill

material due to its non intrusive

character. For large allotments brush

fencing can be successfully used to

fence off part of the garden.

However, the use of brush as a high

front fence to a small or average

allotment within a Historic

(Conservation) Policy Area is

generally not appropriate as this

restricts the visibly of the building.

H e d g e s

The use of clipped hedges is

appropriate behind open fences if

required. This ca provide for an

additional degree of privacy.

FE N C E S AN D GAT E S ( CO N T)4 . 0

1 9 2 0S T I M B E R A N D R I P P L E

I R O N F E N C E

The garden and landscaping

around residences is a very

important part of the streetscape

and provides the setting for each

individual house.

Personal preference plays a large

part in the layout of the garden

and the selection of plants, but

there are particular styles of

landscaping which were

traditionally used for certain

house styles.

The gardens of early cottages and

houses with small to medium

sized front gardens were usually

laid out symmetrically with a

straight path leading from the

front gate to front door, and

garden bed either side. During

the Edwardian period more

loosely structured gardens with

curving paths and flower beds

were developed in an approach

know as gardenesque. By the

1920s and 1930s garden styles

varied greatly according to

owners’ tastes and the house site

and block size. Lawns and

borders, with specimen trees ere

p o p u l a r, and native species were

used along with exotic imports

and typical garden bedding plants.

In some gardens the original

layout can be determined by the

remains of paths and garden bed

edges. If practical, this evidence

can be used to reinstate the form

of the garden. Many mature trees

and shrubs also remain from early

plantings and these should be

nurtured.

Early photographs can give an

indication of structures in gardens

which are appropriate for the style

of the house. Also a careful look

at houses of the same style which

still retain garden layout and

planting can assist house owners

in their decisions about

landscaping.

There are excellent publications

on period gardening which can

also be consulted, and some of

these are listed at the end of these

guidelines.

Residents close to the sea will be

aware of the need to consider

special plants for that situation.

GA R D E N S5 . 0

A T Y P I C A L F O R M A L F R O N T G A R D E N

L AY O U T F O R A VI C TO R I A N P E R I O D

H O U S E - S Y M M E T R I C A L L AY O U T,

B E D S B O R D E R E D W I T H H E D G E S O R

E D G I N G, L O W P L A N T I N G W I T H

F L O W E R S F O R P I C K I N G

AN E L E G A N T S I D E G AT E A N D F E N C E I N

D I A G O N A L L AT T I C E - BR O W N ST R E E T,

SE M A P H O R E 1928 (PO RT AD E L A I D E

E N F I E L D CO U N C I L RE C O R D S)

“ CA M I L L A HO U S E”

TH E ES P L A N A D E, SE M A P H O R E I N C1866 (MLSA) - W I T H A

S Y M M E T R I C A L G A R D E N L AY O U T

Houses built prior to the 1920s

did not incorporate garages for

cars. May earlier houses had

stables, but these have mostly

been removed. It is important

that new facilities for cars be

designed to relate to the house

using a repetition of form and

materials that are appropriate. In

many instances a carport at the

side of the house can be designed

as an extension of the house,

particularly by repeating the roof

level and detailing of the

verandah at the side of the house.

Any free-standing garages should

be preferably located at the rear

of the property with access past

the side of the house or by a

rear lane.

Constructing garages or carports in front of houses is undesirable because it

obscures the view of the house. However, some examples can be found

where extreme care has been taken with the proportions and detailing when a

free-standing carport has been constructed in front of a residence. It is

important that these be open structures rather in the nature of garden

buildings, and not of solid form

General Conservation And Design Principles

If an original garage remains, retention is encouraged. It may be possible not

to extend or enlarge it, continuing the style and materials.

Any new carport or garage should be carefully considered and be an

integral part of the overall design. Location towards the rear of the house or

block is recommended. Where garages are proposed which are visible from

the street, the use of gates, slatted timber. lattice doors. or panelled timber or

iron doors (which can be incorporated into tilt-a-doors) are generally more

successful visually than horizontally ribbed metal roller doors. Any carport

attached to the side of a house should be carefully sited in order not to

obscure the form of the residence. Generally carports constructed in front of

residences are discouraged as these disrupt the rhythm of the consistent

setbacks of houses.

CA R P O R T S AN D GA R A G E S6 . 0

Carports And Garages - Examples

NE W CA R P O RT R E U S E S C O L U M N E L E M E N T

NE W C A R P O RT - D O E S N O T

P R O J E C T F O RWA R D O F H O U S E

CA R P O R T S AN D GA R A G E S ( CO N T)6 . 0

CA R P O RT P R O P O S E D F O R T H I S

E X I S T I N G H O U S E I N

SE M A P H O R E (C1 8 9 0S H O U S E

W I T H 1 9 2 0S V E R A N D A H)

OP T I O N 1

( PR E F E R R E D) RE I N S TAT E

O R I G I N A L V E R A N D A H

C O N F I G U R AT I O N A N D

I N C O R P O R AT E C A R P O RT I N TO

E N D O F V E R A N D A H

OP T I O N 2

CO N S T R U C T C A R P O RT I N

1 9 2 0S S T Y L E TO C O M P L E M E N T

L AT E R V E R A N D A H

OP T I O N 3

CA R P O RT P R O J E C T I N G I N

F R O N T O F H O U S E. ON LY

A P P R O P R I AT E I F H I G H F E N C E I S

L O W E R E D A N D C A R P O RT I S

O P E N A S S K E T C H E D

CA R P O RT

CA R P O RT

OP E N

CA R P O RT

LO W O P E N F E N C E

CA R P O RT S/ GA R A G E S - EX A M P L E S

New residential development in

Special Character Areas and

Heritage (Conservation) Policy

Areas should be well mannered

and consider the established

character of the street. The Port

Adelaide Development Plan has

established policies with regard to

new development in each of the

areas, and prospective developers

are advised to consult with

Council’s Planning staff prior to

any development proposal being

initiated.

Assessment of new development is

made easier if drawings include

adjacent buildings and show how

new development fits into the

context and established character

of the street.

The majority of new residential

development is typical project

home design. Consideration

should e given to ceiling height

and adjacent heights of houses)

roof pitch, materials and

integration of carpets and garages.

Double garages at the front of the

house extending the from wall are

generally inappropriate.

Check list for New

D e v e l o p m e n t

• Setback

• Scale

• Roof form and roofing materials

• Verandahs

• Building Materials

• details

• Proportions of building

• Proportions of openings

• Fences and carports

• Landscaping.

NE W RE S I D E N T I A L DE V E L O P M E N T7 . 0

NE W D E V E L O P M E N T I N NE W M A N ST R E E T, SE M A P H O R E - N E W H O U S E

R E F L E C T S S C A L E A N D M AT E R I A L S O F A D J A C E N T E A R LY H O U S E

NE W R E S I D E N T I A L D E V E L O P M E N T F O R

PO RT AD E L A I D E STAT E HE R I TA G E

AR E A - S K E T C H D E S I G N R E S P O N D S TO

C O N T E X T, W I T H D E V E L O P M E N T B U I LT

TO B O U N D A RY, A N D W I T H S I M I L A R

M A S S I N G A N D H E I G H T A S A D J A C E N T

D E V E L O P M E N T

residential & commercial · • original roofing materials such as corrugated iron or terra...

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