Craftsman Bungalow Architecture
The Craftsman Bungalow Architecture style came to the United States around 1876 after the Philadelphia Centennial. Americans wanted to adopt a new style to their living, moving away from the old world style. To get away from the style from the previous country, the Bungalow Architecture style was created and America began a transition toward creating their identity as an individual country.
This style provided a more simple form of homes that did not incorporate multiple variations of other styles included into one home. These small to medium sized American homes were a reaction to the Victorian style homes that were produced in large numbers as a result of the Industrial Revolution.
The terms “craftsman” and “bungalow” are often interchangeable and are used to describe this same style of American homes but have different meanings. “Craftsman” is a particular interiors architectural style that comes from the Arts and Crafts movement. “Bungalow” refers to a particular form of house that exhibits various craftsman styles.
The term comes from India and describes a low house with porches around it. This style of home focuses more on horizontal structure than multiple stories.
Some of the common characteristics that separate Bungalow Architecture from other forms are low pitched roofs, deep eaves with exposed rafters, 1-2 stories, and large front porches with huge columns to support overhang of main roof. Another significant feature of Bungalow Architecture is the windows that have multiple panes in the top above a single pane down low.
The Japanese had a major influence on Bungalow Architecture as it inspired American architects to use wood with gabled roofs and square configurations that define this type of architecture.The homes often included a library area for the men and the women had their own room since many women did not have jobs during this time.
The Bungalow style homes rose in numbers significantly between 1910 and1920 when they became the norm for American homes. This style of home became a type of restorationproject for Americans in the 1990’s as they attempted to recreate that old style that dominated the American society many years ago.
Many custom homes that are being built today are descendants of Bungalow Architecture, taking the tradition style and adopting it to today's society. This style of home provides an affordable way of living that gives a sense of easy living for its owner. Many ranch homes are built in this style of architecture that is commonly surrounded by fences that separate the home from the acres of land around it.
At the center of the interior of Bungalow homes is a fireplace that provides family area for its owners. The room in which the fireplace is located has features that all revolve around the fireplace. The fireplaces are usually made of stone, brick or tile and it is surrounded by comfortable furniture to make it a place for the family to enjoy together. The family oriented feature of Bungalow Architecture comes from the style of living during the early 1990’s.
The bungalow can be seen in the Phoenix historic neighborhoods like Roosevelt or Coronado and Garfield amongst others.
Learn more and explore the other historic architectural styles in Phoenix.
