Bungalow architecture is often referred to as a style of architecture. In addition, architectural enthusiast equated bungalow 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. The British settlers used the term in the 19th century to classify that specific house type. Architects designed the bungalow to be one story high with large porches or verandas.

People identify Bungalows as craftsman architecture usually. In fact, the bungalow house designs became popular during the rise of the Arts and Crafts architecture movement. That movement happened between 1900 and the early 1930’s. Bungalow homes 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. Sears Roebuck company widely distributed the magazine along with and other building supply stores. Because of this, the bungalow house design spread across the country with little variations between regions.

What are the characteristics of Bungalow architecture

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. Craftsman Bungalow house plans will exhibit some, if not all, of these attributes.