Australian architecture for beginners

Since the mid-1800s, Australian residential architecture has evolved significantly to span numerous styles adopted from Britain and the US.

From the California bungalow that represents the impact of Hollywood on Australian culture, to the post-war property that embodies stability and growth after World War II, each of these styles is indicative of the lifestyle, influences and economic climate of the time.

We take a look at six of the most iconic styles that define Australia’s architectural landscape today.

Victorian

Houses from the Victorian era cover a range of architectural styles from about 1840 to 1901, during the reign of Queen Victoria.

They are typically in the oldest parts of cities and towns such as Paddington in Sydney and Carlton in Melbourne. The history, position and ornate features of Victorian homes make them very appealing to modern day buyers.

Victorian architecture is subcategorised into three periods: early (circa 1804-1860); mid (1861 to 1875); and late (1876 to 1901).

Early Victorian homes are simple yet formal, with a basic verandah if any, and minimal ornamentation. These houses are made of brick, (exposed or rendered), with a pitched roof made from corrugated iron, tiles or slate. A typical worker’s cottage epitomises this style of architecture.

While retaining a similar structure to the early homes, mid Victorian houses are distinguished by having a greater level of ornamentation, such as a front verandah with cast iron lacework and an ornamental brick facade. Popular interior features include polished timber floors, elaborate skirting, coloured glass windows and embellished ceilings.

Late Victorian architecture resembles the earlier forms, but has a grander, more ornate appearance that draws on the Italianate style. An even spread of ornamentation is found throughout, with Italianate features such as rendered walls, arches, coloured glass and moulded ornaments. The colour scheme of these homes is more contrasting and bold than earlier in the Victorian period, with multi-coloured brickwork and tile patterns common external features.

Edwardian

Edwardian architecture is also known as Federation, given its rise to popularity around the Federation of Australia in 1901. The style draws heavily on Victorian architecture and the period known as Queen Anne (circa 1895-1910).

Edwardian homes can be identified by their distinct facade, often featuring a red brick exterior and embellished timber detail known as fretwork. They are usually freestanding or semi-detached, with a steeply sloped tiled roof.

The addition of stained glass at the front of the home became increasingly popular during this period.

This style of home was commonly built until the beginning of World War I in 1914. Like Victorian homes, they are typically found close to the CBD.

California bungalow

The California bungalow became popular in Australia in the 1920s as the promotion of American culture shifted Australia’s architectural influence from Britain to the US.

This style of home is single-storey, freestanding, and is set back from the street. It is most well known for its signature columns that hold up the front verandah, along with its sloping roof. It is built in brick, or to a lesser extent, with weatherboard or timber.

In order to incorporate locally made materials, a number of local variations of the bungalow exist. In Melbourne they are often built with red brick, while some Sydney versions feature a dark brick, some South Australian bungalows use limestone, and select Queensland bungalows are made of timber.

Internally, California bungalows feature a simple plan that considers the natural landscape, centred around a hallway.

California bungalows are most common in suburbs between 10 and 20 kilometres from the CBD. They remain popular today with families who appreciate their traditionally large sites and ability to extend to the rear. 

Inter-war

The inter-war properties from 1918 to 1938 are most commonly single-story detached homes.

Set well back from the street on fairly large blocks, they are a simplistic design that reflects the economic climate of the time and the move towards modernism.

A mix of red brick, rendered, roughcast and weatherboard facades make up the architectural styles included. Front porches replaced the verandah in this period, with ornamentation limited to the entrance, along with the chimney and the occasional brickwork patterning.

Although most homes were built to be functional with little embellishment, this period also saw influences from decorative styles such as Spanish mission, Georgian revival and art deco.

Post-war

The conclusion of World War II is very much reflected in the architecture of the post-war period, a time where house sizes and home ownership were rapidly increasing across Australia.

The post-war baby boom and increased immigration saw demand for housing at an all-time high, with single-storey double and triple-fronted brick veneer homes the design of choice.

The accessibility of mass-produced elements such as wrought iron porch posts and wire mesh doors saw these introduced into many homes. The emergence of brick veneer replaced the previously common double brick, and the incorporation of a double garage into the home also became popular.

Inside,  linoleum, rubber floors and cement tiles were frequently used. Interconnected living rooms became common, with lower ceilings than preceding styles.

Most double and triple-fronted homes are at least 20 kilometres from the city CBDs. Selling points include 1000-square-metre blocks and flexibility in terms of renovating opportunities.

Mid-century modern

The mid-century period, most notably the 1950s and ’60s, introduced many of the modern home features we consider standard today, such as open-plan living and a connection to the landscape.

These homes are characterised by their flat roof, floor-to-ceiling windows and blank walls. Some homes are built above ground on thin columns, so they appear to almost float. These elements were designed specifically so homes could embrace their environment and maximise their outlook, rather than looking inward as was popular in earlier designs.

Decoration is seldom introduced through the architecture, although some homes include stone or timber feature walls.

Mid-century design has experienced a revival in recent years, with many enthusiasts now dedicated to preserving this style. These houses are most commonly in middle-ring city suburbs.