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Bungalow Architecture

Bungalow architectureBungalow is often referred to as a style of architecture, usually equated to the arts and crafts style or craftsman architecture. However, this is not the case. Bungalow is actually a word that has roots in India, where it was used by the British in the 19th century to classify a house type that was one story high and had large porches. It is usually identified as craftsman architecture due to the fact that bungalow house plans became popular during the rise of the Arts and Crafts architecture movement between 1900 and the early 1930’s. Bungalow house plans came about during this time in California as the popularity of the Victorian style architecture was on a decline. Bungalow home plans were widely available for the average middle class working family through the craftsman magazine created by furniture maker and designer, Gustav Stickley. The magazine was widely distributed by Sears Roebuck company and other building supply stores. Because of this, the bungalow house design spread across the country with little variations between regions.

Characteristics of the bungalow architecture includes: One or one and a half story design, low pitched gable roof (hip roof in some cases), wide eave overhang, exposed rafter tails, beams or brackets under gable, large front porch, and columns or the column base continued to the ground without breaking at the porch level.