Architecture
So You Live in a ... Ranch-Style House
From mid-century America to contemporary Australia, the ranch house takes on both traditional and contemporary form
You don’t need to own a ranch to live in a ranch-style house. In fact, they actually originated in suburban communities across America, but were so-called as architects drew on the characteristics of 19th-century ranchos and adobes in America’s west and south-west. In 1950s America, nine out of 10 new houses built were ranch-style houses, and today they are closely associated with much-loved Mid-century Modern design and a very informal and casual living style.
In Australia, the ranch-style house became popular in the 1990s. It is noted for its ground-hugging profile, open-plan interiors, and indoor-outdoor flow; and this simplicity of design means that it has taken shape in both traditional and contemporary forms in the last couple of decades.
Ranch-Style House at a Glance
Defining period: America: Mid 1940s-1970; Australia: 1990-present
Key characteristics: Long and horizontal, one storey, L- or U-shaped, open-plan interiors, turned towards the backyard
In Australia, the ranch-style house became popular in the 1990s. It is noted for its ground-hugging profile, open-plan interiors, and indoor-outdoor flow; and this simplicity of design means that it has taken shape in both traditional and contemporary forms in the last couple of decades.
Ranch-Style House at a Glance
Defining period: America: Mid 1940s-1970; Australia: 1990-present
Key characteristics: Long and horizontal, one storey, L- or U-shaped, open-plan interiors, turned towards the backyard
THREE MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF A RANCH-STYLE HOUSE
Long and horizontal footprint and elevation
Ranch-style houses are most recognisable for their low-slung, one-storey profile. This horizontality is emphasised by a low roof and deep eaves. Since there are generally no stairs in these houses they are a great option for those who require easier mobility within the home.
Long and horizontal footprint and elevation
Ranch-style houses are most recognisable for their low-slung, one-storey profile. This horizontality is emphasised by a low roof and deep eaves. Since there are generally no stairs in these houses they are a great option for those who require easier mobility within the home.
L- or U-shaped with a focus on the backyard
Original ranch-style houses turned their backs to the streetscape to focus on backyard living. Laid out in L or U shapes, and generally only one-room deep, they were particularly conducive to indoor-outdoor living as many rooms opened onto the backyard or garden.
Original ranch-style houses turned their backs to the streetscape to focus on backyard living. Laid out in L or U shapes, and generally only one-room deep, they were particularly conducive to indoor-outdoor living as many rooms opened onto the backyard or garden.
Open-plan living
Ranch-style houses fostered an informal and casual lifestyle, so the floor plans tended to be more free flowing and spaces multi-functional. Most ranch-style houses were open plan with limited divisions between living spaces. This feeling of spaciousness was enhanced with large glass or sliding doors that opened to outside spaces.
Ranch-style houses fostered an informal and casual lifestyle, so the floor plans tended to be more free flowing and spaces multi-functional. Most ranch-style houses were open plan with limited divisions between living spaces. This feeling of spaciousness was enhanced with large glass or sliding doors that opened to outside spaces.
RANCH-STYLE IN AUSTRALIA
In Australia, the ranch style may not always be true to its American form, but there are many similar characteristics to the classic Mid-century ranch house. Here are six examples that range from traditional to contemporary.
1. This Mid-century brick house in Melbourne has many of the trappings of a ranch-style house, along with a beautiful wood-panel interior that would make any Mid-century enthusiast swoon. With large glass doors that open to a rear courtyard, it’s ideal for casual living.
In Australia, the ranch style may not always be true to its American form, but there are many similar characteristics to the classic Mid-century ranch house. Here are six examples that range from traditional to contemporary.
1. This Mid-century brick house in Melbourne has many of the trappings of a ranch-style house, along with a beautiful wood-panel interior that would make any Mid-century enthusiast swoon. With large glass doors that open to a rear courtyard, it’s ideal for casual living.
2. In Adelaide, this newly built one-storey suburban home is both modern and functional with open-plan living, sliding glass doors and a large outdoor entertaining area and pool. And furnished with many of the classics of Mid-century design, it fits right in as a modern-day ranch-style house.
3. This Melbourne house is pretty and unassuming in the front, because it is in the rear of the house where modern living really happens. One storey, L-shaped, and with large expanses of glass that open onto a courtyard and swimming pool, this house affords a casual lifestyle and is all about indoor-outdoor living.
4. The deep eaves and flat roof on this low-slung contemporary house in Perth emphasises its horizontality and geometry. Large windows throughout the house offer exterior views, while open-plan living takes place at the centre of the house.
5. This modern homestead is a contemporary expression of the ranch-style house. It combines a mix of materials in a ground-hugging, one-storey home that promotes easy modern living.
6. In South Australia this house really turns its back to the street, and why not? It has an amazing cliff-top position and panoramic views of Maslin Beach. The front is closed off with contemporary stone walls, while the rear of the house is designed to maximise the views. Being one storey, horizontal and open-plan means that nearly every room has a view of the water. This contemporary house truly draws on the characteristics of the traditional ranch-style house.
KNOW YOUR HOUZZ: 5 quick ways to identify a ranch-style house
1. Low-slung, ground-hugging, single-storey profile
2. Large expanses of glass
3. Open-plan interiors
4. Flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
5. It turns its back on the street and opens up to the yard at the rear.
KNOW YOUR HOUZZ: 5 quick ways to identify a ranch-style house
1. Low-slung, ground-hugging, single-storey profile
2. Large expanses of glass
3. Open-plan interiors
4. Flow between indoor and outdoor spaces
5. It turns its back on the street and opens up to the yard at the rear.
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Middle-class homeowners bought inexpensive land in newly-developing suburban areas where architects could build outwards rather than upwards due to the availability of land. This laid a framework for ranch-style design, popularised by architects including Cliff May and Joseph Eichler in the 1940s, ‘50s and ‘60s.