Anyone who’s been house-hunting for more than five minutes has no doubt seen the term “period home” or “period features” listed amongst some homes’ selling points.
It’s an all-inclusive pointer to one of the numerous architecture movements that have defined Australian suburban design over more than 200 years.
But what are those architecture movements and how do you know which one you’re looking at?
Here’s your quick guide to Australia’s residential architecture.
Colonial
Period: 1788-1840
This Georgian-style home is steeped in history dating back to 1887. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
A lot can happen in 50 years, and architecture in Australia came a long way in the 50 years after white settlement. Colonial architecture is actually an overarching descriptor for a number of architectural styles that were used through this period, having originated from Britain.
Distinctive and simple, Colonial houses initially reflected a ‘Georgian’ style that was popular in England at the time, with a verandah and a hipped roof. In the prosperous 1820s and ’30s, designs began to see subtle detailing that would become more prevalent in later movements.
Victorian
Period: 1840-1890
A classic Victorian terrace. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Named for Queen Victoria, who took the throne in 1939, Victorian-style homes are among the most popular of all period properties.
Encompassing a range of architectural features and styles, Victorian homes are generally split into three periods of design. Many early Victorian homes were worker’s cottages and were constructed from exposed or rendered brick, with a pitched roof and a small verandah or no verandah at all.
Mid Victorian homes are categorised as those built between 1860 and the mid-1870s, and they saw an increased use of ornamentation, front verandahs and the polished floorboards that are so desired in today’s market.
Late Victorian architecture took another leap forward in grand statements, with ornate moulding often featured throughout the rooms, along with coloured glass, rendered walls and arches.
Federation/Edwardian
Period: 1890-1915
Federation style has timeless appeal. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Arguably the most easily recognised Australian architectural movement, Edwardian or Federation homes are renowned for their facades, which are usually red brick and feature timber fretwork.
Their steeply sloped roofs were initially mostly galvanized iron, though the use of terracotta tiling became more prominent.
Inter-War
Period: 1918-1938
‘California bungalows’ signified the major shift from Britain-centric design, to the United States as our dominant architectural inspiration during the inter-war period. Picture: Getty
Australia began to modernise dramatically in the decades after World War I, and our architecture increasingly began to takes its cues from the United States as World War II approached.
Inter-war designs were somewhat simple, with red brick, weatherboard and rendered facades the main feature, with verandahs gradually superceded by porches.
‘California bungalows’ also fit within this period, with the circa 1920s style signifying the major shift from Britain-centric design, to the United States as our dominant architectural inspiration. California bungalows are identifiable as freestanding, single-storey homes that feature a sloping roof, as well as columns supporting the front verandah. Built mostly from brick, they are generally set back from the street on good-sized blocks and usually feature a central hallway.
Art deco design also rose to prominence early in this period and remains popular among Australian buyers, with its iconic rounded edges and use of whites and creams.
Post-War
Period: 1940-1960
Mass-produced materials were key in post-war architecture. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
The post-war years were both prosperous and challenging in Australia, with materials scarce but housing demand at fever pitch. Mass-produced materials were key, with most designs centred around single-storey, brick, double- or triple-fronted homes, with brick veneer eventually becoming the brickwork of choice.
Late 20th Century
Period: 1960-70s
Open-plan living became more sought after from the late 20th century. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy
Homes in the 1960s and ’70s began to take on a more modern look as Australian homes continued to grow in size, while simplifying in their design and decoration at the same time.
Brick veneer homes remained the dominant choice, while open plan living became more widely sought-after.
This article was originally published on
30 May 2018 at 9:00am
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.