Why Iwan Iwanoff’s Floreat Home Has Perth Talking
A rare piece of Perth architectural history has come onto the market. The family home of the late architect Iwan Iwanoff, built in 1966 in Floreat, has been listed for sale, and it is already being described as the pièce de résistance of his portfolio.
Iwan Iwanoff designed some of the most unusual and celebrated homes in Western Australia. This one was different, because it was both his family residence and his office. It is the place where he worked, lived and tested his ideas on his own terms.
For Perth buyers, sellers and design lovers, the sale raises plenty of questions. What makes the house so special? What was changed during its recent renovation? And how does a property like this fit into the wider Floreat market? This guide covers it all.
The Iwan Iwanoff Floreat Home at a Glance
Before diving into the detail, here is a quick summary of the key facts reported about the property.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Suburb | Floreat, Perth WA |
| Year built | 1966 |
| Architect | Iwan Iwanoff (Bulgarian-born) |
| Bedrooms | 3 |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Land size | 903 sqm |
| Exterior style | Brutalist: concrete Besser blocks and a continuous strip window |
| Setting | Overlooks a neighbouring reserve |
| Last sale | $2.75 million in February 2022 |
| Sale method | Offers, with the closing date set for 6 October |
The home sits on a generous 903 sqm block. That is a decent size for the suburb and gives the property room to breathe among the trees.
Who Was Iwan Iwanoff?
Iwan Iwanoff was a Bulgarian-born architect who left a lasting mark on the Western Australian residential landscape. He is remembered for designing homes that look and feel unlike anything else in the State. His reputation is so strong that admirers still seek out his work.
The current owner, Luca Giacovazzi, chief executive of mining company Wyloo, says he has occasionally noticed fans taking selfies outside the house. It is a rare thing for a suburban home to attract that kind of attention. It speaks to how highly Iwan Iwanoff is regarded in design circles.
Because this was his own home, it carries extra weight. The listing describes it as architecture he created for himself. In other words, the spaces he chose to inhabit, the materials he wanted around him, and a chance to express his ideas when architect and client were one and the same.
A Brutalist Exterior That Still Turns Heads
From the street, the home is unmistakable. The facade is made from concrete Besser blocks, paired with a long, continuous strip window that gives the house a bold horizontal line.
Brutalist design is often misunderstood. It celebrates raw, honest materials and strong geometry rather than decoration. In the hands of a skilled architect, the result can be surprisingly warm, and this house is regarded as a prime example.
Mr Giacovazzi shared a memorable thought about the home. “I often think that this unique house must have looked like a spaceship at the time it was built,” he said. Given that it was completed in 1966, that is easy to imagine.
The Detail Behind the Design
What really sets the house apart is the level of care in the small things. From every door handle to every bolt, the attention to detail is described as the clearest showcase of the architect’s genius.
This is a feature often seen in architect-designed homes, where the same mind controls everything from the overall form to the smallest fixture. It is also one of the hardest qualities to reproduce in a standard new build. Buyers who value craftsmanship tend to respond strongly to it.
A Storm, a Roof and a Two-Year Renovation
The current owners moved in during 2022. Just two weeks later, a storm blew the roof off the home. It was an unwelcome start, but it kicked off a renovation project far sooner than anyone had planned.
The work stretched across two years. Mr Giacovazzi described it as a thorough project, and the family called on specialist consultants and heritage architects to guide the process.
What Was Done
Once the roof was dealt with, the family went further. All of the plumbing and electrical wiring was replaced, which is a major investment that buyers of older homes often worry about. They also added two carports and made some modern upgrades to the master bedroom and kitchen.
The changes were described as sympathetic, meaning they were designed to respect the original architecture rather than compete with it. That balance is crucial when working on a home of this significance.
Modern Conveniences
The kitchen now includes a suite of contemporary appliances. According to the report, these include:
- V-ZUG steam and convection ovens
- An induction cooktop
- An integrated dishwasher and refrigerator
- A Zip tap
What Has Been Preserved and What Has Been Updated
One of the most appealing aspects of this sale is the careful split between old and new. The facade and most of the interior remain exactly as Iwan Iwanoff left them. The upgrades focus on safety, comfort and day-to-day function.
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Brutalist facade | Preserved as originally designed |
| Most of the interior | Preserved exactly as the architect left it |
| Plumbing | Fully replaced |
| Electrical wiring | Fully replaced |
| Roof | Rebuilt after storm damage |
| Carports | Two added |
| Master bedroom | Modern, sympathetic upgrades |
| Kitchen | Modern, sympathetic upgrades and new appliances |
For a buyer, this is the best of both worlds. You gain the authenticity of an original design, along with the peace of mind that comes with new services behind the walls.
Solar-Passive Design Ahead of Its Time
Mr Giacovazzi often marvelled at the ingenuity of the 60-year-old home. In particular, he pointed to its use of solar-passive heating and cooling, well before the idea became mainstream.
Solar-passive design uses the position of the building, its materials and its openings to manage temperature naturally. Done well, it reduces the need for mechanical heating and cooling. In a Perth climate with hot summers and mild winters, that can mean real comfort and lower running costs.
It is a good reminder that the best ideas in housing are not always new. Many older Perth homes were built with an intelligent response to sun, shade and breeze that modern buyers are now rediscovering.
A Reserve Setting in a Leafy Suburb
The property overlooks a neighbouring reserve. Mr Giacovazzi says this gives the house a sense of living among the trees. For many buyers, that outlook is just as valuable as the architecture itself.
Floreat is already known as a leafy, well-established western suburbs address. A reserve outlook adds privacy, green space and a sense of calm that is hard to find closer to the city.
Together, the outlook, the generous block and the original design make the Iwan Iwanoff residence a very different proposition to a typical Floreat family home. It offers space, greenery and genuine architectural history in a single address.
How the Floreat Market Looks Right Now
Context matters when a landmark home comes up for sale. According to REIWA, Floreat has recently experienced an annual growth rate of 10.8%, with a median house sale price of $2,410,000.
| Floreat Snapshot | Figure |
|---|---|
| Median house price (REIWA) | $2,410,000 |
| Annual growth rate (REIWA) | 10.8% |
| Iwanoff home last sale price | $2,750,000 (February 2022) |
| Iwanoff home land size | 903 sqm |
The home last sold for $2.75 million in 2022, which is already above the current suburb median. That tells us buyers have long recognised a premium for a property of this kind. It is not an ordinary Floreat house, and it will not be priced or judged like one.
It also shows how much value can be tied to land, outlook and architectural pedigree. Unique homes often sit in their own category when it comes to valuation.
Why Architect-Designed Homes Sell Differently
Properties designed by well-known architects behave differently to typical homes. The buyer pool is smaller, but the buyers who do enter the market are often highly motivated and well informed.
Here are a few reasons why.
- Scarcity. There is only one original home that the architect built for himself and his family.
- Story. A strong history gives buyers an emotional reason to bid.
- Authenticity. Original materials and details cannot be copied.
- Cultural value. Admirers of an architect’s work, including those who photograph the exterior, add to demand.
On the other hand, these homes can be harder to value using standard comparable sales. That is where local expertise and a careful appraisal make a big difference.
Selling a Heritage-Style Home: Lessons From This Listing
Whether your home is a mid-century gem or a character cottage, there are practical lessons to take from this sale. A few stand out.
Fix the Hidden Problems First
The owners replaced all the plumbing and electrical wiring during their renovation. This removes one of the biggest unknowns for buyers of older properties. Documented upgrades build confidence and can support a stronger price.
Respect the Original Design
The upgrades here were described as sympathetic. Buyers of architectural homes typically want the original character kept intact. Heavy-handed changes can reduce appeal and value.
Tell the Story Well
Good marketing makes the architect, the era and the materials part of the pitch. The quote from the listing, which describes the house as architecture created for himself, is a good example of storytelling that connects with the right audience.
Choose the Right Sale Method
An offers-based campaign with a clear closing date suits unique properties. It allows interested buyers time to inspect, seek advice and put forward their best terms.
Buying a Character Home: What to Check
If you are drawn to homes like this one, it pays to do your homework. Architectural and heritage-style properties come with their own considerations.
- Services and structure. Ask when plumbing, wiring and the roof were last updated.
- Approvals. Check whether any work was completed with the right permits and advice.
- Maintenance needs. Original materials such as concrete block need specific care.
- Future changes. Understand what you can and cannot alter without harming the home’s character.
- Insurance and finance. Speak with your lender and insurer early, as unusual homes can need extra checks.
What Happens Next
Offers on the home were due by 6 October. Final results for a property like this are often shared once contracts are unconditional. The outcome will be closely watched by Floreat locals and by anyone who follows Perth’s premium market.
Whatever the result, the listing has already shone a spotlight on the value of architectural heritage in Western Australia. Interest in this kind of property tends to grow as older homes become rarer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who designed the Floreat home?
The home was designed by Bulgarian-born architect Iwan Iwanoff in 1966. He also used it as his office.
How big is the property?
It sits on a 903 sqm lot and has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.
What is the Brutalist style?
It is an architectural style that celebrates raw materials and bold forms. In this house, that means concrete Besser blocks and a continuous strip window.
Has the house been renovated?
Yes. After a storm blew off the roof in 2022, the owners completed a two-year renovation. They replaced the plumbing and wiring, added two carports and updated the master bedroom and kitchen.
Why are the owners selling?
Luca Giacovazzi says the family is moving closer to family. He described it as a gut-wrenching decision.
What is the median house price in Floreat?
REIWA reports a median house sale price of $2,410,000, with annual growth of 10.8%.
Thinking About Selling or Buying in Floreat?
The sale of Iwan Iwanoff’s own home is a reminder that distinctive Floreat properties deserve a tailored approach, not a one-size-fits-all campaign. If you own a character or architect-designed home and want to know what it could be worth in today’s market, the Holdsworth Real Estate team can provide a current, local appraisal. If you are looking to buy in the western suburbs, contact us to talk through what is available and how to position your offer.
