The Bungalow Style
Over time the
bungalow style
has slowly entered the hearts of Americans. With its small, compact layouts and cheap building cost, with some just costing $900, it helped many Americans fulfill their dreams of owning a home. A home that has a minimalist floor plan and open space. The idea of having a simple and affordable home yet with so much architectural beauty gave rise to the popularity of the bungalow. The sudden increase in the bungalows marked a period where building with beautiful architecture could be owned by everyone. The bungalow didn't just provide the basic need of shelter but also provided other requirements such as convenience, style, simplicity, excellent plumbing and a beautiful exterior. Owning a bungalow was indeed fulfilling an American dream.
The bungalow is a symbol of good life and comfort. Providing freedom to work in a small garden, a personal parking space, and the guarantee a safety and privacy. Most owners and builders can attest that the bungalow gave them a liberty to live in proximity with nature while still living in style.
If you are interested in
purchasing a bungalow, know that there are many different architectural styles to choose from. They range from ranch, to colonial or even a split-level style of homes. The bungalow is an excellent home to choose, but let’s see what makes a bungalow so special.
What is a Bungalow?
Nowadays,
realtors
might loosely describe any home that is small or of single-leveled as a bungalow, however that is not the case.
Bungalows have a architectural style
that is sole to them. Typical bungalows are generally one or one-and-half stories with beautiful large front porches. Their porches are shaded by projected roofing which are supported by exposed rafters and beams. Inside there is built-in cabinetry in the living space and two to three bedrooms. Bungalows are designed with a unique raised floor to ensure enough living space on the main floor.
The bungalow is said to have its origin from South Asia where it got its name from the region it’s found in
Bengal. Bungalows were designed to protect homes from the blazing heat of the sun with its wide roof covered both the home and the porch. This style of building became popular in the early 1900 in California before it spread to other parts of the United States. The Craft & Artistic movement is mainly responsible for its widespread popularity.
American Craftsmen
During the same time that the bungalow style was becoming popular there was also a surge in the movement of the
American Craftsman. Even despite the rise in industrial production, many homeowners sought craftsmen to build them their unique home. Hence why most of the bungalows have unique architectural designs.
There was indeed a difference between the Craftsman "style " with other generic Bungalows. The Craftsman style had better workmanship and elaborate craft and art designs. Some companies, such as Sears, decided to jump on this movement. They created "Kit" homes that could be shipped and built on site. With low costs and easy to build it was no wonder that the bungalow style took off.
Open Floor Plan
Since most bungalows have a small layout, their closets are generally smaller than average. To give the house more storage and square footage, built-in shelves and cabinets are added to the living areas. Their small size is suitable for singles, couples and/or individuals who want a minimalist lifestyle.
As the appeal of a minimalist lifestyle disappeared, the bungalow style was dismissed, and larger homes gradually became popular. However, at this moment, there is a resurgence of individuals seeking a minimalist lifestyle. Many homeowners are searching for efficient homes with little maintenance and the bungalow is just what they need.
Small House/Big Porch Style
According to an article by
Architecture Magazine, addressing the typical Small House and Big Porch style of a Bungalow. This is reference to the typical large porch and low roof as the defining features of the design of a Bungalow. The expansive porch in the front could be said to be a common feature of the Bungalow.
The main characterization of a bungalows is their low roofs which are either hipped or gabled. They feature deep eaves that may either expose or hide their rafters. The roof overhang the house to properly shield it from the blazing light and heat from the sun. This allows the bungalow to stay cooler in the summers.
The Bungalow's design preceded its time. Many new homes today are trying to bring a balance between home and nature while the bungalow has been doing this for years. With large porches homeowners are able to enjoy the outdoors while staying inside their homes. The porch becomes an extension of the homes living room and should be used as an extra living space.
Popular Bungalow Styles
Since bungalows have such a fluid style it is hard to pinpoint what exactly makes a home a bungalow. Below you’ll find some of the most common types of bungalows as described in American Bungalow Style:
- Craftsman Bungalow:
seen as the classic bungalow design. It is built or styled to resemble homes built in the 1900s, and it’s built from an ordered kit.
- Queen Anne: this kind of bungalow has a Victorian touch with its wraparound porches, side covered with shingles or clapboard and its medium-pitched roof.
- Mission Style: these kind of bungalows have some touch of Spanish architecture and its art glasses, tile roofs and round arches.
- Prairie Style: These homes were designed by some Chicago based Architects and has a linear design with its roofs low-pitched.
What could be the advantages or disadvantages of having Bungalow house?
Who Should Live in a Bungalow?
With a size of about 1000 to 2000 sq. feet, the Bungalow would be suitable for young couples who need a new home to start a family. They are also perfect for single individuals who want a minimalist lifestyle and want a home without the need to manage a large yard. Aged and retired individuals can also benefit from a bungalow since they are eliminated the stress of climbing stairs.
Searching for Your Perfect Bungalow?
