Type T Houses Precinct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Type T Houses Precinct |
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|---|---|
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Houses for government employees |
| Location | William Keeling Crescent, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 12°11′28″S 96°49′52″E / 12.1912°S 96.8310°E |
| Completed | c. 1950s |
| Renovated | 1979 |
| Client | Australian Government |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Cement asbestos |
| Official name: Type T Houses Precinct | |
| Type: | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated: | 22 June 2004 |
| Reference #: | 105408 |
The Type T Houses Precinct is a special group of houses on West Island in Australia. These homes are important because of their history and design. They are located on William Keeling Crescent and Qantas Close. On June 22, 2004, they were added to the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List. This means they are protected for their historical value.
Contents
A Look Back: Why These Houses Were Built
These "Type T" houses were built in the 1950s. They were created to provide homes for people working for the Australian Government. These workers helped manage the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
The houses were part of a new housing area on West Island. In 1979, the houses were updated to make them even stronger.
What Do These Houses Look Like?
The Type T houses are mostly found on the western side of the West Island living area. There were 20 houses built originally, and all of them are still standing today.
These houses are built on raised foundations. This helps them stay cool and dry in the local climate. Their walls are made of a material called cement asbestos.
Inside the Type T Houses
Each house has three bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room. They also have a front porch, which is a great spot to relax. The houses get their name "Type T" because their floor plan is shaped like the letter "T".
In the year 2000, the houses were checked and found to be in good shape. They were also getting new paint on the outside. This changed their look from the original cement asbestos walls.
Why Are These Houses Important?
The Type T Houses Precinct is very important for several reasons. They are connected to the time when the Australian Government started providing homes for its workers on the Cocos (Keeling) Islands.
Helping the Community
The presence of the Australian Government helped the Cocos Malay people have more control over their own lives. These houses played a role in the growth of the West Island community. This area grew a lot after Government House moved to West Island in 1953.
A Smart Design for the Climate
The Type T Houses Precinct is also important because of its design. The way these houses are planned and built is perfect for the warm, tropical weather of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. They are a great example of early housing for Australian staff.
