Bungalow 1910 > 1930

Most commonly Californian, with Indian and British variants, these cosy looking houses combined Arts and Crafts concepts with the ideal of the simple house in a natural setting.

More rustic than preceding styles, they featured an increased use of natural materials. Most were single storey with a simple floor plan centred on the hallway, and were set well back from the street.

Social history

The influence of American lifestyle and culture was reflected in our localised adaptation and adoption of the Bungalow style. Similarities between the Californian and Victorian climates encouraged widespread acceptance of the style.

Embraced by speculative builders, Californian Bungalows dominated building in the emerging Melbourne suburbs for the two decades leading up to the Depression. An increasingly relaxed lifestyle led to greater use of verandahs and the beginnings of open planning.

To watch author Graeme Butler talk about Californian Bungalows, Click Here.