HOUSE, 12 LIVINGSTONE STREET, BEACONSFIELD WA 6162
DESCRIPTION
Heritage TitleHOUSE, 12 LIVINGSTONE STREETAddress12 Livingstone Street BEACONSFIELD WA 6162Geo tag[1] Heritage Place No23217Construction Commenced1931Construction MaterialRoof – METAL: Corrugated IronWall – BRICK: Rendered BrickWall – TIMBER: WeatherboardFormer W.A. Heritage ThemesDEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY: SettlementsStatement Of SignificanceHOUSE, 12 LIVINGSTONE STREET, a single storey timber and iron roofed house, is a representative example of a modest timber dwelling constructed in c1931, reflecting the architectural and social trends of the Inter-War period (c. 1915–1940). This place is significant as a modest yet important example of Fremantle’s residential history.
The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. The house exhibits characteristic features of the Inter-War Bungalow style, including a simple hipped roof, a verandah supported by timber posts, and timber weatherboard cladding. These elements contribute to the historical streetscape and the broader residential character of Fremantle.
This bungalow reflects the suburban expansion of Fremantle, when economic growth and advances in transportation facilitated the development of modest worker and middle-class housing. It provides insight into the living conditions and domestic architecture of the era. The house contributes to Fremantle’s community identity, representing a period when the area saw increased residential development to accommodate a growing population. It remains significant as part of the city’s evolving heritage and connection to its working-class past.
This house is a good example of the type and retains key architectural features that typify the period.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).History12 Livingston Street was constructed in 1931 for Alfred George Birkin. It was a weatherboard residence and cost £300. Alfred Birkin continued to own and occupy the place until at least the 1950s, with the exception of some years during World War Two when it was occupied by John Reed, suggesting Birkin was likely away serving in the war. A Bessie Birkin is listed on the electoral roll in 1965 as living at the place, with her occupation noted as ‘home duties’. A 1978 photograph shows the place as having verandahs to at least three sides, with a corner of the front (east) elevation verandah enclosed. Square timber posts support the verandah, which at the front elevation have been enclosed to about ¾ height with masonry pillars. The front verandah also has a dado-height masonry wall along its full length, and a simple decorative timber valance and sun-ray pattern timber lattice in the central bay marking the front the entrance. The place is on stone footings accessed and the front veraPhysical DescriptionHouse, 12 Livingston Street is a single storey timber and corrugated iron house constructed in the Federation Bungalow style of Architecture. The walls are painted weatherboard. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. There is a painted brick chimney evident. The symmetrical front façade has a central door flanked by timber framed casement windows. The verandah is under a continuous corrugated iron roof supported by rendered pillars and a rendered half wall balustrade. There is a decorative panel above the entrance to the verandah. The verandah turns down both side of the house, however one side has been enclosed with brick, with another entry door. The house is situated above street level on limestone foundations. There is a low brick wall to one side of the central path and steps, and a low limestone wall on the other, acting as both a front boundary and retaining wall. AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).Place TypeIndividual Building or Group
The place has aesthetic value for its contribution to the streetscape and the surrounding area. The house exhibits characteristic features of the Inter-War Bungalow style, including a simple hipped roof, a verandah supported by timber posts, and timber weatherboard cladding. These elements contribute to the historical streetscape and the broader residential character of Fremantle.
This bungalow reflects the suburban expansion of Fremantle, when economic growth and advances in transportation facilitated the development of modest worker and middle-class housing. It provides insight into the living conditions and domestic architecture of the era. The house contributes to Fremantle’s community identity, representing a period when the area saw increased residential development to accommodate a growing population. It remains significant as part of the city’s evolving heritage and connection to its working-class past.
This house is a good example of the type and retains key architectural features that typify the period.ArchaeologyConditionCondition assessed as fair to good (assessed from streetscape survey only).History12 Livingston Street was constructed in 1931 for Alfred George Birkin. It was a weatherboard residence and cost £300. Alfred Birkin continued to own and occupy the place until at least the 1950s, with the exception of some years during World War Two when it was occupied by John Reed, suggesting Birkin was likely away serving in the war. A Bessie Birkin is listed on the electoral roll in 1965 as living at the place, with her occupation noted as ‘home duties’. A 1978 photograph shows the place as having verandahs to at least three sides, with a corner of the front (east) elevation verandah enclosed. Square timber posts support the verandah, which at the front elevation have been enclosed to about ¾ height with masonry pillars. The front verandah also has a dado-height masonry wall along its full length, and a simple decorative timber valance and sun-ray pattern timber lattice in the central bay marking the front the entrance. The place is on stone footings accessed and the front veraPhysical DescriptionHouse, 12 Livingston Street is a single storey timber and corrugated iron house constructed in the Federation Bungalow style of Architecture. The walls are painted weatherboard. The roof is hipped and clad with corrugated iron. There is a painted brick chimney evident. The symmetrical front façade has a central door flanked by timber framed casement windows. The verandah is under a continuous corrugated iron roof supported by rendered pillars and a rendered half wall balustrade. There is a decorative panel above the entrance to the verandah. The verandah turns down both side of the house, however one side has been enclosed with brick, with another entry door. The house is situated above street level on limestone foundations. There is a low brick wall to one side of the central path and steps, and a low limestone wall on the other, acting as both a front boundary and retaining wall. AssociationPlace UseOriginal Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residencePresent Use – RESIDENTIAL: Single storey residenceIntegrity/AuthenticityHigh degree of integrity (original intent clear, current use compatible, high long term sustainability). High degree of authenticity with much original fabric remaining. (These statements based on street survey only).Place TypeIndividual Building or Group
Statutory Heritage Areas
Statutory Heritage Area CustodianCity of FremantleStatutory Heritage Area South Fremantle Heritage AreaHeritage Area StatusContributoryHeritage Area InHerit Number22386Statutory Heritage Area Date14/10/2000
Local Government Statutory Heritage Listings
Local Government Statutory Listing CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Statutory Listing TypeHeritage ListLocal Government Statutory Listing StatusYesLocal Government Statutory Listing Date27/08/2025
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey
Local Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey CustodianCity of FremantleLocal Government Non-Statutory Local Heritage Survey Date27/08/2025Local Government Non-Statutory Listing Local Heritage Survey Management CategoryLevel 3
PARENT PLACE
Parent Place No22386Parent place nameSouth Fremantle Heritage Area
RELATED
HOUSE, 12 LIVINGSTONE STREET, BEACONSFIELD WA 6162. City of Fremantle Local History Centre, accessed 17/04/2026, https://history.fremantle.wa.gov.au/nodes/view/13626