ARCHITECTURE West Australiana

Exhibition at Cullity Gallery, University of Western Australia 20 Mar 2012 → 13 Apr 2012. Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts

pp. 137 #021024 SCARCE

Brian Klopper, one of Western Australia’s most influential architects of the latter 20th century, left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Perth, particularly in the City and Fremantle.

Born in 1937 in Northam, Klopper’s architectural journey was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional design norms.

His architectural career began in the early 1970s and he pioneered the re-use of buildings, such as warehouses and factories, converting them to inner-city living apartments, long before the phrase “adaptive re-use” became commonplace in architecture circles.

One example comes from the iconic Fremantle Primaries Wool Store complex which was stylishly converted into townhouses in the mid-1990s.

In the heart of the city, Klopper also turned the warehouse of the former West Australian Boot Manufacturing Company into a number of townhouses. The circa-1925 site features a range of original features carefully restored and blended with Klopper’s signature style.

His innovative approach to sustainable design and his commitment to excellence have served as a model for future generations of architects looking to make a positive impact on the built environment.

Klopper’s style can be described as a fusion of modernist planning and Arts and Crafts sensibility. He was known for his innovative use of materials, including two that have since become industry standards: steel windows and cut limestone cavity blockwork.

Klopper’s architectural legacy can be seen throughout Perth City and Fremantle, where his iconic homes stand as testaments to his visionary design.