Australia has a rich and diverse history and since European settlement in 1788, the architectural landscape has transformed significantly. The unique character and heritage of bygone eras is evidenced by many of the beautiful period homes we see in our towns and cities today.

In this article, we explain some of the various architectural home styles that are popular throughout Australia, each with their own distinctive qualities and attributes.

Victorian

Victorian homes were constructed during Queen Victoria’s reign between 1837 and 1901 when the colonies were expanding at a rapid rate. The gold rush, together with the agricultural and produce boom created a corresponding boom in the building industry.

Victorian homes are some of the oldest in Australia and are typically located in the older, inner suburbs of cities and towns with Victorian architecture separated into three distinct periods: early (1837 to 1860), mid (1860 to 1875) and late (1875 to 1901). Each period can be characterised by differing facades, decorative elements, colour schemes, cladding materials, window and roof styles. Early Victorian homes were comparatively simple in design in comparison to the mid and late periods, with Victorian architecture becoming increasingly decorative and ornate over time.

Victorian homes feature an array of various facades and construction materials, including timber weatherboard, brick, stucco and render. Mid and late Victorian homes often featured ornamental cast iron lacework on verandas and balconies to enhance curb appeal. Different coloured bricks were often employed to create decorative patterns and to define windows and corners. Many late Victorian homes featured rendered facades and stained glass windows in the Filigree style typical of the mid-19th century, which were more decorative than the pared back early Victorian homes.

Photo: realestate.com.au

Federation (otherwise known as Edwardian)

Federation homes were built during King Edward VII’s reign between 1901 and 1910, which coincided with the creation of the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901 and the subsequent Federation of the Australian states and territories.

Edwardian architecture is generally less ornate and decorative than late Victorian architecture and is characterised by references to elements of Queen Anne architecture between 1701 and 1714.

Federation homes exhibit unique characteristics such as the use of red brick exteriors combined with decorative timber fretwork detailing and brackets on verandas, reef eaves and gable ends. Bay windows and stained glass windows were popular during this period, often incorporating native Australian flora and fauna designs. Edwardian roofs generally are steep in pitch and feature galvanised iron or terracotta tiles. On the inside, Victorian period features are common, such as plaster ceiling roses, cornices and timber architraves and skirting boards.

Photo: realestate.com.au

Californian Bungalow

Californian Bungalows are very popular in Australia due to their charming street appeal, exceptional craftsmanship and the influence of Hollywood and American culture.

The climate in many parts of Australia (particularly the east coast and southern regions) is similar to that of California in the USA, which together with American influence made building Californian Bungalows very popular between 1910 and 1940. For this reason, there are many Californian Bungalows in the middle rings (10-20km) of most major Australian capital cities.

Californian Bungalows feature sloping roofs, unenclosed rafters and eaves and are typically constructed from red or liver brick, however weatherboards and timber are also employed to a lesser degree. Gabled roofs are also common and often feature a dormer window or attic vent with shingled detailing (overlapping tiles made from timber or slate) for added charm. Front verandas generally feature tiled floors and timber balustrades with exposed and rendered brick support posts.

Double-hung bay windows are common with many Californian Bungalows featuring stained glass lead light window panes for added character.

Californian Bungalows generally adopt a simple floor plan, featuring a central entrance and hallway, which leads to an open plan living area. High ceilings and decorative features such as wall and ceiling timber panelling are common. Timber floors were generally stained in a dark tone to contrast with the paler coloured walls.

Photo: realestate.com.au

Art Deco

Originating in France, Art Deco homes and apartments became popular during the 1920s and 1930s and were often built on sizeable blocks of land. Art Deco design commenced with organic shapes and later adapted to reference Constructivism, Cubism, Modernism and Futurism.

Art Deco homes are characterised by their rendered brick exteriors, enclosed balconies and Art Deco motifs in their brickwork and wrought-iron gates. Geometric shapes were often employed in roof and chimney design, including towers, parapets and spires. Art Deco motifs were also incorporated into stained glass, cornices and ceiling moulds with glass brick walls and timber panelling also popular during the Art Deco period.

Later Art Deco architecture exhibited porthole windows and curved walls with the Great Depression of the 1930s leading to a more simple design approach.

Photo: realestate.com.au

Hamptons

The Hamptons style originates from a group of villages called the Hamptons on Long Island, New York and has become very popular in Australia over recent years due to its elegant, coastal style.

The Hamptons style is characterised by its relaxed, light and breezy feel with classic and sophisticated design.

On the outside, Hamptons style homes are generally clad in weatherboards or shingles and exhibit masculine features such as ox-eye windows and stately columns. Internally, typical features include timber panelling, coffered or high pitched ceilings with exposed beams, neutral or costal colour schemes and the use of natural light, timber flooring and natural materials.

Click Here to read our article dedicated to the Hamptons style.

Photo: realestate.com.au

Contemporary

Contemporary home architecture represents the architecture being produced ‘today’ and is not limited to a particular style or theme.

Highly varied, innovative and forward looking; contemporary architecture is constantly changing. Many contemporary homes of the moment feature elaborate shapes and structures together with use of exotic materials such as zinc, glass, stone, steel and timber.

Cantilevers and sharp angles are often employed to create an overt, futuristic appearance with interiors often featuring contemporary open plan spaces and high-end fixtures and fittings.

 

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Are you looking to build in an architectural home style that you love?

Whether you are planning to renovate or extend your period home, or design and construct a new custom designed home, the friendly and experienced team at ARCA are here to help.

Call us for your obligation free consultation today on 1800 GENTRIFY or email us at enquiries@gentrify.com.au.