West Island Elevated Houses facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Island Elevated Houses |
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|---|---|
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Houses for government employees |
| Location | Orion Close, West Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 12°11′38″S 96°50′00″E / 12.1940°S 96.8333°E |
| Completed | c. 1950s |
| Client | Australian Government |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Cement asbestos |
| Official name: West Island Elevated Houses | |
| Type: | Listed place (Historic) |
| Designated: | 22 June 2004 |
| Reference #: | 105359 |
The West Island Elevated Houses are special homes located on West Island in the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Australia. These houses are important because they are listed on the Australian Commonwealth Heritage List. This means they are protected for their historical value. They were added to this list on June 22, 2004.
Contents
History of the Elevated Houses
These houses were built in the 1950s. They were part of a plan to create homes for people working for the Australian Government. These workers helped manage the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The houses were a key part of the new housing area on West Island.
What the Houses Look Like
The West Island Elevated Houses are the last homes at the southern end of the West Island housing area. There are two main houses. They are covered with a material called cement asbestos. Their design is perfect for the local weather conditions.
Unique Design Features
Most of these houses have special slanted end walls. There are also different versions of the "Type 2" house design. These variations were made by making the basic house plan longer.
Inside the Homes
The houses usually have three bedrooms. They also include a kitchen, a bathroom, and a living room. A large hallway leads to the front porch. There is a separate laundry room located behind the house. One of the houses, known as the Shire Clerk's house, has a large extra porch on its west side. In the year 2000, these houses were still in good condition.
Why These Houses Are Important
The West Island Elevated Houses are important for several reasons.
Connection to Australian Government
They show the history of housing for Australian Government workers. These workers helped manage the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The presence of the Australian Government helped the local Cocos Malay people gain more control over their own lives.
Development of West Island
These houses played a big part in the growth of the West Island settlement. This area grew a lot after the main government building, Government House, moved to West Island in 1953.
Special Design for the Climate
The Elevated Houses are great examples of Australian Government homes. Their design and layout were made to suit the warm, tropical weather of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands. These two houses are larger versions of the standard "Type 2" homes. Their location at the very south of West Island, close to the administrator's home, shows their important role on the islands.
