Need original floorplan for 1920s bungalow

8 years ago

Our house is almost identical to this one. It has been almost impossible to find pictures and floor plans that have the porch on the same side as this one, and ours. As we are trying to restore, not renovate, I would love to have an original floor plan to work from. Can anybody please help??

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JJ

8 years ago

They're not super detailed but give enough of an indication as to where the rooms all lay. We've renovated since but it's still nice to see the original.

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Comments (11)

lofty_oz
8 years ago
Hello,

In Australia, that is a typical of the Californian bungalow style, popular for several decades from the 1920's through to the 50's before post war styles came.

As so, there are so many variants over that period of time, but if you are am trying to source a plan, have you tried your local municipal council and see if they had any copies in their building archives of your property. Most councils allow you to apply online and have nominal fees for copies to be made and posted or ready for pick up.

If no plans available, talking to a local heritage body could provide you access to any catalogues of popular designs used to compare for closest match.
Jeynelle Dean-Hayes thanked lofty_oz
jbantick
8 years ago
Due to the age of the dwelling its almost impossible with any sort of accuracy. There were a lot of different builders and designers then just as there is now. Also is it really necessary...... It would be quite easy to renovate without the plans anyway. The plans from that era are actually very basic. They rarely showed much detail apart from the fret work and feature timber. Even then it was basic when compared to the abundance of documentation, details and specifications needed now.

If you want some good info track, down the books by Peter Cuffley, houses of the twenties and thirties and also houses of the forties and fifties. These give a good overview of the colours, trends, etc. of that era.
Jeynelle Dean-Hayes thanked jbantick
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J
8 years ago
Hi, I have a old house that was stripped back. I found a lot of clues to the original placement of rooms and uses from the house itself. But some general factors to consider: kitchens out the back of the house. Usually with a chimney tucked into a external wall corner. Not one of the angled fireplaces. The kitchens can be quite small, depending on your house size of course. Backyard loo until, maybe the '50s. Then often added onto the rear of the house, off the sunroom.
Rooms uses can change, but generally on a wider facade, a parlour at the front of the house, and bedrooms at front and moving down the hallway.
Clues I found in my house: in the right light I could see slight ridges in walls, indicating closed in doorways and wall removals. I also noticed a line up the wall in a back room, a neighbour confirmed there was a angled fireplace there. Outside, old concrete steps and odd windows above, indicated there was another street entrance. Pulled up the carpet and discovered a few hearths.
Lastly, maybe a longtime neighbour might know more about the house. Or like me you will find your house's twin a few streets away.
Have fun discovering more about your house!
Jeynelle Dean-Hayes thanked J
Jeynelle Dean-Hayes
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you so much for all the helpful comments. It seems our house was moved here from a different location and has sort of been tacked together who watched too many episodes of The Block..... I have tried the council but all the plans are based on how it has been put back together, not how it originally looked. Jen, your tips for looking at the walls was very helpful and we have already found where our bedroom door used to be. Scary stuff once the wood panelling was removed.
PRO
anewhouse.com.au
8 years ago
To get some information about style I would google "Gustav Stickley" and 'Craftsman Homes" as the Craftsman Homes Magazine edited by Gustav Stickley was the inspiration behind the 'Calififornia Bungalow' Style.
Jeynelle Dean-Hayes thanked anewhouse.com.au
JJ
8 years ago
Jeynelle, are you still interested in an original floor plan? Our Cali was built in 1927 & has the front verandah to the left. We are also lucky enough to still have the original floor plans. Just let me know if you'd still like a look :) they're beautiful old homes aren't they!
Jeynelle Dean-Hayes thanked JJ
jbantick
8 years ago
I wouldn't mind a copy if you are going to scan. The original plans for any house are super rare!
jbantick
8 years ago
Thats great! The facade detailing is superb. The original owner must have been quite well to do!
Jeynelle Dean-Hayes
Original Author
8 years ago
Jasmine, thank you so much!! I am so glad to find another Leftie :) The Cali's are so beautiful and elegant. It makes me a little sad when they are gutted and modernised.
HU-23398628
5 years ago
Sometimes the local council will have plans in their local history section. I found mine there.

Need original floorplan for 1920s bungalow

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Need original floorplan for 1920s bungalow

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