Harold Krantz introduced the idea of using syndicates to fund capital projects during the 1930s.
The Riviera Investments Ltd company was formed in 1936 to raise the capital to acquire land on which the Riviera flats were constructed in what journalists called the ‘Minimum’ style. Located on the corner of Mount’s Bay Road and Mill Street in Perth the three-storey brick and concrete construction, valued at £20,000, was expected to contain 30 double (two-bedroom) and 32 single flats. A restaurant and kitchen were to be included and, to take advantage of the views offered by the prime location, a rooftop garden created.
The final product opened early in 1938 and comprised a shop and 24 flats with parking beneath. The flats were modern, attractive and utilised built-in furniture to maximise space.
“Low blocked-in settees, which can be easily converted into beds, upholstered easy chairs, built-in side boards, a china rail and the best use of every available inch of space are features of the living-rooms...The kitchenettes are fitted round all walls with drawers, meat safes, shelves, dressers, broom cupboard, gas stove, etc.”
12 March 1938, The Daily News, p 17
The bachelor flats had bed-sitting rooms rather than the separate living and bedrooms of the larger flats. The single and double flats contained built-in kitchenettes, living room, bathroom and lavatory as well as a balcony. All bedrooms had built-in beds, large wardrobes, shelves and dressing tables. With 80% of the furniture built-in, not only was space maximised but it also had the advantage of minimising damage from tenants moving furniture in and out.
An on-site caretaker was responsible for the communal areas including the dining room, roof lounge and back lawn which could be used for social gatherings. The complex was complete with a shop which could provide meals for the bachelors who did not have kitchens in their rooms. A final cost-saving measure in line with Krantz’s modernist design philosophy was that all materials used in the construction and fit-out were locally sourced or produced.
