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Date: 1936-1937 Client: Government-aided non-profit-earning company Type: Flats Style: Art Deco - Modern : Utilitarian Status: Extant

SOCIAL REHABILITATION APPLIED TO UNION HOUSING SCHEMES Successful Experiment at Octavia Hill Estate One of the most interesting schemes undertaken for the housing of the distressed poor is to be seen in the Octavia Hill Flats, situated at Fordsburg, Johannesburg. Built and run by a Government-aided non-profit-earning company, these flats represent an unusual and promising experiment in social welfare, for this experiment is rapidly proving that with sympathetic guidance and assistance the social rehabilitation of poverty-stricken families is highly practicable and easily achieved. The Octavia Hill Flats consist of self-contained units of eight blocks comprising 126 flats in all. These are made up of 30 single-room flats, 30 three-room flats (two bedrooms and a dining-room, besides a separate kitchen, bathroom and lavatory), and 36 four-room flats. The blocks are uniform in that they comprise either all single-room flats, three-room flats or four- room flats. There are 30, 15 and 12 flats respectively to each block. Free electric light and hot water are provided throughout, the tenants having to pay only for stove gas on the shilling-in-the-slot principle. The scheme was started in 1936, and two blocks were completed in January, 1937, to provide accommodation for 30 families in three room flats. In the same year a start was made on six additional blocks, which were completed in January, 1938. The architecture of the old and new blocks is substantially the same, a slight improvement in the facing bricks of the balconies being made in the latter. In each case the blocks are straightforward three-storey brick constructions. The length of the façade is 136 feet 7 inches [~40m], with horizontal features provided by continuous brick balconies running along the entire length of each floor. An upward motif is provided at each end of the facade by a projection of about 14 feet [4,2m]. In each projection is an enclosed staircase and various store-rooms. The roof is of galvanised corrugated iron. SPACIOUS INTERIORS. The interior of the flats are spacious and well laid out. In each case entrance to the flat is direct through the living room off the common balcony or verandah. The living rooms are 15 feet 6 inches [4,65m] by 13 feet [3,9m]. From the living rooms doors lead off to the bedrooms, each of which has a standard size of 15 feet [4,5]by 10 feet [3,0m]. The kitchens are 10 [3,0m] by 12 feet [3,6m] and the bathrooms are by no means inconveniently small. The floors and ceilings are concrete, the latter being plastered and distempered to the colour of the walls. Moulded concrete takes the place of wood for picture rails as a prevention against the harbouring of vermin. The doors leading to the various rooms are very plain. A ventilation grille is provided above each instead of the usual fanlights. While the electric fittings are plain and strong, each living room has a handsome built-in gas radiator. Steel ceilings were used for the top floor. A distance of 8 feet 6 inches separates the floor from the ceiling. The steel windows are spacious, and each flat is equipped with several stout, built-in cupboards. The eight blocks are laid out in large grounds which provide sufficient room for playing fields and lawned spaces. To make the community as self-contained as possible, a large community hall has been included in the office block, which stands some distance apart from the flats. In this hall various demonstrations, lectures and concerts are held under the guidance of welfare workers for the benefit of the tenants. This hall is approximately 50 feet [] long and 30 feet [] wide, complete with a recessed stage. Instead of side walls, steel supporting columns have been used, the spaces in between being closed by steel-framed glass from floor to ceiling. Inside the hall private lockers have been provided as well as a small library supplied by the Johannesburg Public Library. This hall has been found sufficient for the needs of a community comprising about 500 persons, of whom 220 are children of all ages. It is interesting to note that although the initial expense of the scheme was £76,000, the flats are being let out at the following rentals: £1 a month for four- room flats, 15s. a month for three-room flats and 10s. a month for single-room flats. (PWSA Vol II No 7:33).