Like most styles found throughout America, the Bungalow home was originally built in other parts of the world. To the surprise of many, bungalow style house plans were developed in India. This style referred to any single family unit in India, which is not a common style there. This style made its way to America thanks to English sailors.
In Britain and North America, a bungalow is a residential style home that has a second story built into a sloping roof that usually contains dormer windows. This style is usually small and detached from other homes, so it is relatively inexpensive to build. The bungalow home plan became popular as lower middle class were moving from apartments to private homes. Bungalows were the perfect option because they were modest, inexpensive and low profile. They ended up taking America by storm because they provided an affordable housing option many Americans only dreamed of. They became the perfect example of "The American Dream".
Interestingly, the bungalow style spread so quickly across the country because they were readily available in mail-order catalogs. These illustrated catalogs allowed those dreaming of owning a home an easy opportunity to obtain plans and with just small alterations for local codes and conditions, the plan could be built with materials right n the local area. This was the perfect solution for those who did not have access to large construction companies and builders in their area.
Bungalows feature a convenient floor plan for their homeowners since most of the living areas are located on the main floor. These luxury custom home plans are conducive to those confined to a wheelchair or have other disabilities. These mail-order bungalows did feature some mass produced materials including doors, windows, bookcases, desks and folding beds that could be included in the purchase of the plans.
Types of Bungalows Seen Throughout the United States:
Ranch Bungalow - This bungalow has all the bedrooms arranged on one side of the home with the kitchen, living, dining and family room on the opposite side. These homes are small and typically only have two bedrooms located near the rear of the home.
Raised Bungalows - This bungalow has a portion of the basement above ground so that more light can enter it. A raised bungalow's design allows an entry with a higher ceiling and many have the garage located in the basement as a drive-under style garage.
Chalet Bungalow - This style of bungalow includes a second story loft, but still keeps the main living areas on the first floor so it is still classified as a bungalow.
Craftsman Bungalow - Created during the Arts and Crafts movement, this common bungalow style has low-pitch rooflines, a gabled or hipped roof, overhanging eaves and decorative exterior brackets. A covered front porch is another common feature.
California Bungalow - The California Bungalow was widely popular from 1910 to 1925 and is a 1 1/2 story variation of the traditional bungalow home.
Chicago Bungalow - Another popular variation of the Traditional Bungalow, this style used brick on the exterior, has 1 1/2 stories and a full basement. This style was relatively narrow in width in order to accommodate smaller city lots.
Milwaukee Bungalow - Similar to the Chicago Bungalow, a couple differences between these two styles are this version featured a gable perpendicular to the street and white stucco on the bottom portion on the exterior.
Michigan Bungalow - This Arts and Crafts style bungalow sprang up all over Detroit from 1910 to 1925 and is widely seen in this area still today.
Although bungalows symbolize a time in America where people wanted to enjoy the good life and own their own home, they are still a popular style that has influenced the look and feel of many of the style of homes built today. In fact, several builders who have been affected by the downturn in the housing market recently have adopted the simplicity and efficient floor plans of the Bungalow style home. It offers homeowners what they need without all the frills spawning a resurgence in this architecture style.