57 Bayswater Road, Rushcutters Bay, is a mid-century, nine level block of blonde brick apartments, built circa 1962 and designed by Hans Peter Oser.

Mid-century architecture is now growing in significance  as European architects fled war-threatened Europe in 1938 and after the war. They found refuge in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

Architects such as Harry Seidler, Emil Sodersten and Hugo Stossel, among others, were popular and prolific.

Hans Peter Oser (1913- 1967) was born in Vienna, Austria on 17th June 1913. He attended Primary school in Vienna and the Technical High School in Vienna passing with Honours. He studied in the Faculty of Architecture, University of Vienna, graduating B.Arch in 1936. During the holiday periods in his time at University he worked in different offices, one of them being Professor Behrens of Vienna. After completing his University studies, he was employed first as a draughtsman and then as Chief Draughtsman in the office of Professor Joseph Hoffman & Oswald Haerdtl, Vienna. This firm sent him to several European capitals to supervise their work their including Budapest and Paris World Fair in 1937.

Oser arrived in Australia in December 1938 and was employed in by John D. Moore, Provost & Associates, Crane & Scott, Malleys Ltd and the Housing Commission of NSW. He also worked on his own, finally establishing his own firm in 1946.

H.P. Oser & Associates was formed March 1956. The associates were R.F.L. Mugdan ARAIA and J.G. Fombertaux A.R.A.I.A., at Scot Chambers, Hosking Place. Forbertaux also had an association with interior designers and architects Lipson and Kaad.

Oser Fombertaux & Associates were established c. 1963. After Oser died on 27 April 1967 at 54 years of age the firm continued to operate as Oser Fombertaux & Associates until Fombertaux’s death in 1975.

They enjoyed an active partnership designing theatres such as The Odeon, Singapore, the William Bland Centre (1966), Tooheys Administration Centre and the BOAC Travel Centre, Castlereagh Street, Sydney CBD.

by

Andrew Woodhouse

Heritage Solutions