Federation architecture refers to the architectural style in Australia, which was prevalent from around 1890 to 1920.[1] The period refers to the Federation of Australia on 1 January 1901, when the Australian colonies collectively became the Commonwealth of Australia. It had antecedents in the Queen Anne Style of England and Shingle Style of the Eastern United States.[1]
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The Federation period is known within the rest of the Commonwealth as the Edwardian period, named after the reign of King Edward VII (1901–1910). However, as the style preceded and extended beyond Edward's reign, the term 'Federation architecture' was coined in 1969.[2]
Since the Federation of Australia was a significant event during this period, the term 'Edwardian' is seldom used in Australia. Federation architecture has many similarities to Edwardian architecture. There are significant differences, however which distinguished the style in Australia, particularly due to the embracing of Australiana themes and the use of the verandah in domestic settings. Australian flora and fauna featured prominently, and stylised images of the New South Wales waratah,[3] flannel flower, Queensland firewheel tree and other flowers, and Kangaroo,[4] kookaburra,[3] lyrebird,[5] were common. The Coat of Arms,[5] and rising sun, representing a new dawn in the country of Australia, also appeared regularly on gables.
Many Federation buildings, both residential and non-residential, are listed on the Register of the National Estate because of their heritage values.
Gardens of the period were complex and contained many elements - generally a wider variety of plants than is seen in contemporary plantings, pergolas, rose arches, gazebos and summerhouses.[6] Wooden lattice fences were used to partition parts of the garden off, particularly the front from the more private back.[7] Garden paths could be straight or gently curved, and often edged with glazed edging tiles or bricks, and made of tiles, packed gravel or bricks. patterns for brick paving include stretcher bond, herringbone and basketweave.[8] Asphalt and concrete were not used.
Plants were selected to produce year-round colour and interest in the local climate conditions. Initially, evergreen trees were used, but the denseness of shade led to increasing popularity of deciduous trees such as jacaranda, flowering plum and peppercorn.[9] Palms often framed the garden vista, and the native Cootamundra wattle was popular, as were shrubs such as Camellias and standard roses.[9] Conservatories contained begonias and adiantum ferns.[9]
There are twelve Federation styles:
Of the twelve Federation styles, there are four that were mainly used in residential architecture. They are Federation Queen Anne style; Federation Filigree style; Federation Arts and Craft style; and Federation Bungalow style.
The Federation Queen Anne style was designed to embrace the outdoor lifestyles of the Australian people. Most homes have front verandas with decorative timber features, tiling on the patio floor and entry paths. The brickwork is usually a deep red or dark brown, often with a mix of the two. The roofs are typically terracotta tiles with decorative gables, motifs, timber features, tall chimneys and fretwork. Decorative leadlight windows are also common, as are circular windows (known as bulls-eye windows). Federation homes also have decorative internal features in the plasterwork, high ceilings and timber features.
Some outstanding examples are West Maling, Penshurst Avenue, Penshurst, New South Wales; Ingleholme, Boomerang Street, Turramurra, New South Wales (former home of architect John Sulman and designed by him); and Caerleon, Bellevue Hill. The Federation Queen Anne style was the most popular residential style in Australia between 1890 and 1910.
The Federation Filigree style is common in the hotter parts of Australia, especially in the north, since it is designed to create shade while allowing for the free flow of air. It is a common sight in Queensland and is sometimes known as the Queensland style. Some outstanding examples are Belltrees House, Scone, New South Wales; private home, Roderick Street, Ipswich, Queensland; and terrace of homes, east side of High Street, Millers Point, New South Wales.
The Federation Arts and Craft style had its origins in England, where architects were reacting to the impersonal nature of the Industrial Revolution. Crafts and handiwork were emphasised to give architecture the "human touch". These influences were absorbed into Federation Australia, where the resulting buildings were generally small-scale to medium-scale and predominantly residential. Outstanding examples are Glyn, Kooyong road, Toorak, Victoria; The Crossways, Martin Road, Centennial Park, New South Wales; and Erica, Appian Way, Burwood, New South Wales.
The Federation Bungalow style was the Australian response to the bungalow style that was developed in America by people like Gustav Stickley. It can be seen as a transition phase between the Federation Queen Anne style and the California Bungalow style that took on later. Stylistically, it exploited the qualities of the bungalow while frequently retaining the flair and idiosyncrisies of the Queen Anne style, although usually in simplified form. Outstanding examples are Nee Morna, Nepean Highway, Sorrento, Victoria; Blythewood, Beecroft Road, Cheltenham New South Wales; and The Eyrie, Fox Valley Road, Wahroonga, New South Wales.
Federation non-residential buildings can be in any of the twelve styles. The following gallery shows some examples of non-residential buildings.