A Californian bungalow is a popular style of residential architecture that originated in the United States in the early 20th century. Specifically, this type of bungalow is characterized by its steep, side-gabled roof with spacious patios or porches on the front and back of the house, as well as it’s open and often informal floor plan.
Californian bungalows typically feature low, single-story horizontal lines with an emphasis on natural materials and an overall cozy aesthetic. Typically, they have a slightly overhanging eaves, often with exposed rafters on the lower edge, and may have an open porch with a simple balustrade in the front.
Walls are typically covered with stucco and the windows are often made with large single-pane glass to fill the room with natural light. Decorative details, such as bracketed eaves, may be seen, as well as Craftsman-style features, such as leaded glass and flat-panel cabinets.
Overall, Californian bungalows create an atmosphere of tranquil warmth and ease, perfect for entertaining and relaxing.
What classifies a house as a bungalow?
A bungalow is classified as a small, single-story house that typically has a low-pitched roof (although some may also feature a steep pitch), a wide front porch, and good flow between the main living spaces.
It is one of the most popular home styles in the US and Canada and is typically found in residential neighborhoods. Typical characteristics of a bungalow include a one-and-a-half-story height, often with a front entry porch with at least two sets of stairs leading from the ground to the front porch, multiple gabled roofs, overhanging eaves, exposed rafters and brackets, and an open floor plan that allows for a good flow of natural light and ventilation throughout the entire home.
A bungalow can be of any architectural style, though most are usually either Craftsman or Prairie. Some bungalows may also feature elements of Mediterranean and Victorian styles.
What’s the difference between a craftsman and a bungalow?
The difference between a craftsman and a bungalow is the architectural style. A craftsman style house is a type of home that is typically plain, frugal and includes a large, open front porch. These homes have simple geometries, low-pitched roofs, broad eaves, and exposed rafter ends.
Craftsman homes often feature natural materials and are built with craftsmanship and care. A bungalow, on the other hand, is a small, single-story home with low-pitched roofs and wide overhangs. They tend to be more ornate with decorative elements like art glass windows and built in woodwork or carving.
Bungalows typically have one and a half or two stories, with an open porch or verandah, usually on two or three sides. While both styles feature natural materials, craftsman homes are usually simpler and more functional, while bungalows are usually more decorative.
What do Edwardian houses look like?
Edwardian houses typically feature a symmetrical facade with subtle classical detailing, tall sash windows and a central front door with a fanlight window above. Found in many cities and towns, the Edwardian home was often grand or semi-detached, with a variety of gabled or hipped roof styles, bay windows and elaborate brickwork or stonework.
It was common to see tall, elegant chimney stacks and ornamented window surrounds, alongside quaint lean-to conservatories and verandas, as well as tasteful stone or terracotta features. Internally, hallways were often grandly decorated with mosaic tiles and tiled flooring.
Fireplaces often featured patterned tiles or hearths, ornamental mantels and mirrors. Edwardian homes appreciated natural decor and featured animals, flowers and plants in the interior design.
Why are there so many bungalows in California?
There are a variety of reasons why there are so many bungalows in California. One of the main reasons is the popularity of the Craftsman style of architecture that emerged in California in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Craftsman bungalows are characterized by their low-pitched roofs, large front porches, and dominate use of wood as a building material. These cozy looking homes were attractive to many Californians for their simplicity and affordability.
Another reason for the popularity of bungalows in California is the mild climate. California is one of the few places in the United States with a semi-arid climate, which means it is warm enough to use outdoor living spaces like balconies and porches without being uncomfortably hot.
The small and relatively simple layout of bungalows also appealed to many people who wanted to be able to maintain their homes with minimal effort.
The prevalence of bungalows in California is further compounded by the large number of tourists and new residents that flood the state each and every year. People are drawn to the warm weather, beautiful scenery, and plenty of activities and attractions; and many of them decide to stay and purchase bungalows as a way to settle in and make California their home.
What do you call a bungalow in America?
In America, a bungalow is a type of single-family dwelling that typically consists of one story, has a slightly pitched roof, and includes a porch or verandah. Bungalows are typically defined by a picturesque appearance with craftsman and Arts and Crafts style characteristics.
They may range in size from small, quaint dwellings to more spacious, elaborate homes. Bungalows are known for their cozy, homey atmosphere and wide range of exterior textures and colors, making them attractive in varied neighborhoods.
Bungalows can come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but several common elements remain the same throughout: large, overhanging eaves, an open floor plan, one and a half stories, and a covered porch or veranda.
When were Californian bungalows built in Australia?
Californian bungalows first made their appearance in Australia in the early 1900s, and were popular until the 1940s. They were inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement, and had low slung rooflines, verandahs, and often featured leadlight windows and intricately carved woodwork.
The bungalows tended to have airy open-plan interiors, wide-skirtings and cornices, as well as built-in seating, cupboards and timber or terracotta floors. The homes typically had one or two bedrooms, generous living and dining areas, and a single bathroom.
Often, they were constructed using timber and brick, and featured gabled roofs and decorative eaves, and often had a front porch or verandah. Although they originally came from California, they had a distinct Australian style, making use of local materials, rather than imported hardwoods.
Today, many Californian bungalows have been preserved, as they are regarded as classic examples of Australian architecture.
What are bungalows called in Australia?
In Australia, bungalows are referred to as “cottages”. Cottages are generally smaller and simpler than the traditional bungalow style of house. A cottage is typically one storey and typically has more modest fixtures and fittings than a bungalow.
Cottages were popular pre-WWI, but many have been knocked down and replaced by more modern housing over time. They are still popular in beachside towns and rural areas, where they offer an attractive, low-maintenance option.
Australian cottages often have their own charm, with corrugated iron roofs, exposed brickwork, and wide verandahs. Some of the most iconic cottages feature timber frames and are fenced to provide a cosy and nostalgic atmosphere.
What’s another name for a craftsman-style house?
A craftsman-style house, also known as an Arts and Crafts-style house, is a type of architectural house that is characterized by its use of exposed structural elements and its simple, horizontal lines.
These houses are most notable for the use of natural materials, such as painted wood and stone accents, as well as having low-pitched roofs and wide, overhanging eaves. The interiors of these houses also often feature built-in seating, open floor plans, and dark, timber-framed window treatments.
Other features that are associated with the craftsman-style house are an inviting front porch, typically with tapered, square columns and simple, geometric patterns. The overall style of the house gives off a relaxed, vintage feel and can be seen in many neighborhoods around the United States.
How big is a Craftsman bungalow?
The size of a Craftsman bungalow can vary greatly depending on the individual home, though most Craftsman bungalows typically range from 1,000 to 3,000 square feet in size. The defining features of Craftsman bungalows are practical, functional floor plans that typically feature several bedrooms, 1-2 bathrooms, a kitchen, a dining area, and a living room or den.
Bungalows designed in the Craftsman style also typically feature covered porches, a low-pitched roof, and one or two stories. The defining aesthetic of Craftsman bungalows is typically English Arts and Crafts style, with a range of interesting, modern architectural details and touches.
What state has the most Craftsman style homes?
California has the most Craftsman style homes. This is due to the architectural style’s popularity growing throughout the state in the early 20th century. Beginning with the California Bungalow, the craftsman style emphasizes handcrafted features such as woodwork, use of natural materials, stone work, and unfussy decorative details.
California’s dry climate allowed for natural materials like wood, used in the style, to remain intact for longer periods of time, therefore boosting its attractiveness to builders and homeowners. California hosts a variety of Craftsman homes from rural areas to urban cities such as San Francisco.
The Bay Area has its own version of Craftsman, making for colors and textures of homes that could never be found in any other region. In a 2012 survey conducted by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, California came in at number one nationally with the most Craftsman style homes.
What architectural style is a bungalow?
A bungalow is a type of residential building, typically a single-family home, that typically has a widely varied and widely recognizable architectural style. In simple terms, bungalows are usually one-story, house-like structures with a low-pitched roof, often containing two or more bedrooms with full or partial basements.
Generally, bungalows have wide eaves, extended rooflines, large front porches and an exaggerated roofline often complimented with decorative gables, dormers, railings, and porch columns. This type of architecture was first popularized in the United States in the early 20th century.
It often promotes the idea of resort living and is known for its simple and accessible yet modern designs. Bungalows are also associated with sustainable and energy-efficient home designs. Overall, a bungalow is a type of residential architecture that is both stylish and efficient.
Are Craftsman style homes expensive to build?
Craftsman style homes can be expensive to build depending on the detail, size, and materials used. With the use of high-quality materials and an intricate design, the cost of constructing a Craftsman style home can add up quickly.
The complexity of the style is something to keep in mind, as the roofing, porch style, and framing used in craftsman designs are often more involved than the standard home designs. Furthermore, if you choose to implement period-accurate detail such as brick work and carpentry, the cost will likely go up.
Generally, it is more cost effective to build a Craftsman style home using modern building materials that are more affordable and easier to use. It is worth noting however, that with careful planning and research, a Craftsman style home can be built on a budget.