Bulolo Flats, Art Deco apartment building in Fortitude Valley, Australia.
Bulolo Flats is an eight-unit residential building spread across two stories with individual brick apartments on McLachlan Street, each with a private entrance. Every unit contains a bed-sitting room, a sleep-out area, a kitchenette, and its own bathroom, with shared laundry facilities available on the rooftop.
Construction began in 1934 when Thomas Charles Beirne commissioned the project to house female staff from his department store. The design by Hennessey, Hennessey & Co blended Romanesque architectural elements with practical layouts suited to its intended residents.
The building marks a shift in how society viewed independent housing for working women during an era when such living arrangements were far from common. Each unit's private setup gave residents control over their own space and routines.
The building sits on McLachlan Street in Fortitude Valley with straightforward street access and clear orientation. Visitors can explore the individual unit layouts and rooftop area to get a sense of how the original design worked for its residents.
The building was one of the few places of its era where women could live independently without being tied to family or household obligations. This forward-thinking approach to supporting female self-reliance set it apart for its time.
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