Ruqayyah Snyder
Australian residential architectural styles have evolved significantly over time, from the early days of structures made from corrugated iron to more sophisticated styles borrowed from other countries, such as the California bungalow from the United States, the Georgian style from Europe and Northern America, and the Victorian style from the United Kingdom. A brick veneer home is the most common type of construction for Australian homes, using a timber or steel frame as the internal structure. Other common building materials include reinforced concrete, steel, and timber.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Building Materials | Timber, brick, reinforced concrete, steel, corrugated iron |
| Ventilation | Natural cross-ventilation is encouraged by openings on opposite sides of the building, with more openings on the east and north sides |
| Climate Design | Bedrooms and living spaces are located on the northern side, while ancillary spaces are on the east, west, or south sides |
| Insulation | Roofs, ceilings, external walls, windows, and floors are insulated to meet required values; materials like building wrap and under-floor linings are used to seal drafts |
| Architectural Styles | Gothic Revival, Classical, Victorian, Georgian, California bungalow |
| Sustainability | Sustainable materials include timber (from sustainable forest sources), hempcrete, and recycled plastic blocks |
| Structural Support | Brick veneer walls are lighter than double brick, reducing foundation and structural support requirements |
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What You'll Learn
Timber/wood
Timber, also known as wood, is one of the most common building materials in the world and is used in many Australian houses. Timber is a great choice for residential house framing and outdoor decking. It is also used in the construction of high-rise buildings, such as those found in the Barangaroo precinct of Sydney.
Timber framing has several advantages over other construction methods. It helps insulate a home, as it has a higher R-value than many other materials, preventing the conduction of energy (heat) from one side of a wall to the other. Timber is also lightweight, making it a popular choice for Australian homes. It is safe, reliable, and cost-effective, with a long history of use that makes it well understood by designers, professional builders, and experienced DIYers. Timber maintains its structural integrity over time, as it chars at a predictable rate.
Most Australian-sourced timber is responsibly sourced and covered by certification systems such as Australia's Responsible Wood, which is endorsed by the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). This ensures that the wood is produced in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner. Timber also has the lowest embodied energy of all common building materials, as less energy is required to convert the wood from trees to framing timber.
In the past, Australian homes were often constructed with corrugated iron roofing, influenced by European styles that were not always suited to the Australian climate. Timber framing allows for more environmentally conscious construction, with the use of sustainable timber and reduced energy usage, contributing to global efforts to address climate change.
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Brick
One notable example of a breathtaking brick house in Australia is the Cascade House in Northcote, Melbourne. Designed by Atelier Red + Black, it is a modern alteration and extension of a semi-detached, solid-brick home built in the 1940s. The white brick wall along the western side of the house retains the distinctive feature of the existing structure, creating a seamless blend of old and new.
Another notable brick house is the Toorak House in Melbourne's southeast neighbourhood. This bold, large-scale home employs a variety of materials, with brick anchoring the ground floor and supporting the curvaceous copper above it. The interior also showcases brick elements, creating a captivating and awe-inspiring residence.
The Brimar house, a contemporary 600m² family home, exemplifies the dynamic juxtaposition of light brick and darkened timber. The shapely contours throughout the home encourage the inhabitants to utilise all the spaces. The use of brick in conjunction with concrete adds contrast, depth, and dimension to the design.
While brick is a popular choice for Australian homes, there are some disadvantages to consider. Bricks can be expensive due to high demand, and the colour options are fairly limited. Additionally, mortar may require maintenance over the lifetime of the structure, as it is not always as durable as the bricks themselves. However, the advantages of brick construction, such as durability, energy efficiency, and aesthetic appeal, make it a favoured option for many Australian homeowners and builders.
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Steel
While steel is a popular building material, it is less commonly used as a roofing option. Corrugated iron, a material made of layers of metal coiled into a spiral shape, has been used for roofing in the past but has declined in popularity as more sustainable products have become available.
Overall, steel is a versatile and durable material used in a variety of applications in Australian housing construction, from framing to reinforcement, showcasing its importance in the country's construction industry.
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Concrete
Reinforced concrete is widely used in the construction of Australian homes, as it is inexpensive and easy to find. It is used for walls, floors, and even ceilings. Concrete slab foundations also make sense for Australian conditions, especially for the elderly or people with mobility limitations, as they are single-level homes without stairs.
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Climate considerations
Australia's climate varies from region to region, and this has influenced the architectural styles of houses across the country. In the past, Australian homes were built with little understanding of the Australian climate and were largely influenced by European styles. However, today, climate plays a significant role in the design and construction of Australian houses.
One of the key considerations is the orientation of the house. In planning for the Australian climate, it is recommended that bedrooms and living spaces be located on the northern side of the house, while ancillary spaces such as bathrooms, laundry rooms, and garages are placed on the east, west, or south sides. This is because the sun moves from east to west throughout the day, and by positioning the house in this way, the high summer sun can be excluded from the living areas, reducing heat gain, while the low winter sun can provide passive warming.
Natural cross-ventilation is another important factor. By considering the orientation of the house and placing appropriate openings on opposite sides, natural ventilation can be encouraged. This is particularly beneficial in coastal areas, where cooling breezes can help regulate the temperature. However, it is also important to plan for wind from the west and south, which can bring colder weather with strong winds. As such, openings on these sides of the house may be restricted, while more generous openings are placed on the east and north sides.
The choice of building materials also takes into account the climate. Brick veneer homes, which use a timber or steel frame with a brick exterior, are common in Australia as they are cooler in summer compared to double brick homes. Additionally, timber framing is a popular choice for Australian homes as it helps with insulation, has a higher R-value, and is sourced responsibly and sustainably. Furthermore, materials such as building wrap and under-floor linings are used to seal drafts, and low-energy glass or double glazing in windows is employed to increase energy efficiency.
In addition to these considerations, each state in Australia has its own legislation and construction requirements to address the issues of global warming and energy reduction. For example, the Basix legislation in New South Wales promotes the reduction of energy usage and the reuse of stormwater in residential developments. As such, the design and construction of Australian houses are heavily influenced by climate considerations to maintain pleasant living conditions.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian residential architectural styles have evolved significantly over time. Early homes were made of corrugated iron, wattle-and-daub, and bricks fired in wood fires. More sophisticated styles borrowed from other countries include the California bungalow, the Georgian style, and the Victorian style. Today, Australian houses are commonly made of brick, steel, concrete, and timber.
Brick, steel, concrete, and timber are the most common materials used in Australian residential construction. Brick veneer is the most common type of construction for Australian homes.
Brick veneer is a type of construction that uses a timber or steel frame as the internal structure. The brick or masonry veneer over the frame is the skin of the home. Brick veneer homes are more cost-effective than double brick homes and are cooler in summer.
Some alternative building materials used in Australia include rammed earth (thick walls of earth combined with cement) and cob (a mixture of clay, earth, and straw).
