Federation Style 1891-1920
With the turn of the century came a new era for Australian residential architecture. The ornamental cast iron lacework and moulded ornaments of the late Victorian period came to be regarded as old fashioned and overly cluttered, as new ideas spread across the continent through architectural magazines and popular periodicals.
The Federation style home combined the deep red brickwork and timber fretwork of the Queen Anne Style, which had spread across England and the United States, with the complex asymmetrical forms of the East Coast Shingle Style. You may have also heard the Federation dwelling being referred to as Edwardian. The two terms are largely interchangeable, however the Federation home asserted its individuality through complex timber joinery, stained glass and complex roof-forms. Ornamental timber verandah posts, brackets, valances and barge boards were used to express a unique personality for each home.
Australia’s first year as a unified national government sparked the need for a distinctive Australian style. Kangaroos, emus, kookaburras and banksias made their way into elaborate fretwork joinery, stained glass windows and even terracotta roof finials. The rising sun motif was commonly integrated into gabled ends, symbolising hope for a new age. Instead of turning backwards to the glories of England’s past, Australian architecture looked forward towards an optimistic new beginning.
Although the Federation period generally saw a decline in the use and production of cast iron fretwork, some examples still incorporated a combination of cast iron and timber filigree as seen in the Belltrees House in Scone, NSW. This transitional style is sometimes referred to as Federation Filigree.
Whilst red brick dominated the streetscapes of Melbourne, weatherboards were used more commonly in other parts of Australia where bricks were scarce.
The main contributor to the bold personality of these homes is their distinctive picturesque roofscape. Federation houses are characterised by striking, asymmetrical, complex roof-forms of intersecting gables clad in terracotta tile and wrap around verandahs integrated into the sweep of the main roofline. These were often punctured by tall ornate face brick chimneys and dormer windows. Sometimes a candle snuffer roof was incorporated into the design to add a whimsical flair.
In order to create these distinctive roof forms, Federation style homes broke away from the conventional, symmetrical four room layout. The many-bayed floor plan of the Federation style home embraced a more relaxed lifestyle, with larger internal spaces sometimes divided by ornate timber valances.
Integration with nature was a major objective of these homes which incorporated paned tripartite windows, wide sweeping verandahs and direct access to the garden from principal rooms. These layouts formed a gradual transition into the informal Inter-War Californian Bungalow style. Leadlight bay windows provided cosy nooks for reading and knitting.
The ideals of suburban living in the Federation period culminated in ‘The Garden Suburb’, which offered a radical departure from the densely populated Victorian terraced housing which characterises many of Melbourne’s inner city suburbs. ‘The Garden Suburb’ is defined by wide tree lined streets and low density planning, comprising freestanding dwellings with generous front yards. Front gardens were characterised by serpentine paths, oval shaped garden beds, spade edging and front fences were kept low so passers by could appreciate the Federation home within its garden setting. Haberfield was the first to adopt these “Garden Suburb” principles.
The Federation style home lends itself to inspiring adaptations which let their fine craftsmanship and unique personality shine.
