Named for the reigning monarch at the time, the Victorian era of architecture covers more than half a century and within it, some subtle design evolutions.
The Victorian era refers to the period of Queen Victoria’s reign from 1837 to 1901 and the houses that were built within this period are known as Victorian style homes. The characteristics of this now-iconic style of colonial architecture began with simple, unfussy façades and grew to be much more decorative and ornate in the later years of the period. A Victorian house can be single or double-fronted; freestanding, terraced, or semi-detached.
This period follows on from the Georgian era (denoting the reigns of King George I-IV from 1714-1830), and precedes the short-lived Edwardian era that spanned from 1901 to 1914. However, it is Victorian architecture that has arguably made the biggest impact on the Australian architectural landscape.
Fitzroy Terrace by Taylor Knights
During the 18th century it was quite common for British architects (among other professionals) to immigrate to the colonies. Australia was one such example and with them architects naturally brought the architectural styles popular at the time in Britain such as the terrace house and the townhouse. Given this period also saw the gold rush in Australia and a population spurt; there was money to build houses and no question of demand.
Some of the most famous examples of Victorian architecture in Australia include the former General Post Office at Martin Place in Sydney, the Royal Exhibition Centre in Melbourne and St Peters Cathedral in Adelaide. In terms of residential architecture, Victorian style homes are most prevalent in Sydney and Melbourne, though the iconic buildings can be found extensively across Australia.
The Royal Exhibition Centre, Melbourne
During the course of more than half a century that was the Victorian era, the hallmarks of the Victorian house naturally evolved alongside fashion and financial means. To begin with, a Victorian style house was simple and largely unadorned. It wasn’t until the middle of the period (approximately 1860-1875) that the better-known characteristics we would typically associate with this style of architecture began to appear.
On the exterior these hallmarks include a front yard enclosed by a picket or cast iron fence, cast iron lacework or timber brackets adorning the eaves, patterned brickwork and double hung windows. In some cases, the front windows would feature stained glass panels. The roof was typically terracotta tiles or corrugated iron.
Inside, one could expect to find polished floorboards, decorative skirting joints and ceiling cornices, architraves around doors and windows and detailed ceiling roses.
North Melbourne Terrace by Matt Gibson
The latter years building Victorian style homes were characterised by the Italianate style that was increasingly ornamental and decorative. Patterned tile work began to appear at the front of the houses while inside windows, doors and hallways were designed with arches. Victorian houses do not typically denote a mansion, however at their most luxurious peak these style of houses can be very spacious and freestanding.
The value of Victorian style homes can be seen for various, yet contrasting, factors. Some architects and architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the aesthetics of the period, others will appreciate the superior design, material selection and building methods that see this style of architecture still standing – in some cases almost two centuries later. For some, however, the value of a Victorian style house is that they are commonly found in popular, CBD fringe suburbs in Sydney and Melbourne and across Australia. Like any example of colonial architecture, the better the building has been maintained or artfully restored, the higher the financial value is likely to be.
Pavilion House by Robson Rak
Due to its historical significance architectural intervention to this style of architecture is subject to council guidelines that at times can be quite prescriptive. However, for the most part careful and artful restorations to the exterior façade make way for more lenient parameters inside and throughout. Usually architectural renovations will be in the form of a extension or addition as opposed to storey additions.
Given our predisposition to outstanding architecture across Australia, in our time we have come across more than a few stellar examples of what a modern Victorian house looks like at the hands of talented architects and their willing clients. Below are 10 favourite examples of a modern Victorian house.
Glebe Red by Benn + Penna
Glebe Red involves major alterations and additions to a large Victorian house, including new living spaces, bedrooms, courtyards and studio. The brief was to accommodate a large intergeneration family, whilst carefully managing their increased need for privacy, integration and flexibility.
Fitzroy Terrace by Taylor Knights
Behind a very traditional façade, the residence’s interior spaces have been inverted; flipping the original arrangement by lifting the living spaces to the upper floors in a deliberate play of thresholds and journeys through spaces.
Skylight House by Chenchow Little
With the façade of the Victorian Terrace left intact, the pretty wrought-iron lace verandah hides a timeless and minimalist dwelling finished with raw concrete, glass, white walls and spotted gum hardwood.
Orama House by Smart Design Studio
Contrasts in styles, materials and building methods between the Victorian house and ultra modern extension here may seem obvious, but the similarities are not so apparent. Look closely and you soon see that elements of this home separated by a centurye have been designed and built with the same intricacy, attention to detail and immaculate craftsmanship.
Pavilion House by Robson Rak
Reflecting the client’s love for mid-century architecture, Robson Rak has designed Pavilion House with a particular composition that balances the integrity of its existing 1888 Victorian residence with a modern new glass pavilion.
Rae House by Austin Maynard Architects
Austin Maynard Architects was commissioned to transform two houses into one family home, for a couple with young children. One of the original homes was a modest Victorian cottage requiring a considerable amount of work. The other dwelling was much larger but in dire need of house plans reconfiguration for contemporary living.
Paddington Terrace by Porebski Architects
A renovation done in parts, seven years ago Porebski Architects converted the upstairs of this terrace house into three bedrooms with a new bathroom and attic and restored the façade. The second renovation concentrated on transforming the dark, narrow rooms at the rear of the house into a light, open and contemporary space.
Surry Hills House Michael Cumming Architect
Surry Hills Terrace House by Michael Cumming Architect was an exercise in minimal intervention and clean aesthetics. The brief was simple, to renovate an aged, damp and dark Victorian Terrace, and turn into a spacious light-filled home.
Winton House Molecule Studio
A large, Victorian-era house is given a light-filled, contemporary rear addition clad in a white brick, detailed with Flemish bond as a nod to the 19th century and bridging the periods of architecture.
Highbury Grove by Ritz & Ghougassian
The interior renovation of this Victorian style house was inspired by the Japanese architect Arata Isozaki and features the heavy use of concrete and brickwork. While the exterior remains in keeping with the streetscape, the interiors are born again and blend modern minimalism with Japanese sensibilities.
Author:
Holly Cunneen
Holly Cunneen was the editor of Habitus and has spent her time in the media writing about architecture, design and our local industry. With a firm view that “design has a shared responsibility to the individual as much as it does the wider community,” her personal and professional trajectory sees her chart the interests, accomplishments, and emerging patterns of behaviour within the architecture and design community.
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austin maynard architects Australia Benn + Penna characteristics Chenchow Little colonial architecture house plans iconic buildings mansion Melbourne Michael Cumming Architect modern victorian house molecule studio Porebski Architects Robson Rak smart design studio Sydney Taylor Knights terrace house townhouse Victorian architecture Victorian house victorian style homes victorian style house
The Victorian era of architecture, named after Queen Victoria's reign from 1837 to 1901, is known for its distinctive style of colonial architecture. Victorian style homes were built during this period and have become iconic in many countries, including Australia. These homes went through subtle design evolutions over the course of the era, starting with simple and unfussy facades and later becoming more decorative and ornate.
Victorian houses can be single or double-fronted, freestanding, terraced, or semi-detached. They followed the Georgian era (1714-1830) and preceded the Edwardian era (1901-1914). However, it is Victorian architecture that has had the biggest impact on the Australian architectural landscape.
During the 18th century, British architects immigrated to the colonies, including Australia, bringing popular architectural styles of the time such as terrace houses and townhouses. The gold rush in Australia and population growth during this period created a demand for housing, leading to the construction of Victorian style homes.
Some of the most famous examples of Victorian architecture in Australia include the former General Post Office at Martin Place in Sydney, the Royal Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, and St Peters Cathedral in Adelaide. Victorian style homes are most prevalent in Sydney and Melbourne, but they can be found extensively across Australia.
The hallmarks of Victorian houses evolved over time. In the early years, they had simple and unadorned exteriors. However, from around 1860-1875, the better-known characteristics of Victorian architecture began to appear. These include front yards enclosed by picket or cast iron fences, cast iron lacework or timber brackets adorning the eaves, patterned brickwork, double hung windows, and stained glass panels in some cases. The roofs were typically made of terracotta tiles or corrugated iron.
Inside Victorian houses, you would find polished floorboards, decorative skirting joints and ceiling cornices, architraves around doors and windows, and detailed ceiling roses. In the later years of the Victorian era, the Italianate style became popular, characterized by increased ornamentation and decoration. Patterned tile work appeared at the front of the houses, and arches were used in windows, doors, and hallways.
Victorian houses are not typically mansions, but at their most luxurious peak, they can be very spacious and freestanding. The value of Victorian style homes can be attributed to various factors. Some appreciate the aesthetics of the period, while others value the superior design, material selection, and building methods that have allowed these houses to stand for almost two centuries. Additionally, the location of Victorian style houses in popular CBD fringe suburbs in Sydney, Melbourne, and across Australia adds to their value.
Architectural interventions to Victorian style homes are subject to council guidelines, which can be quite prescriptive. However, careful and artful restorations to the exterior facade often allow for more lenient parameters inside and throughout the house. Renovations are usually in the form of extensions or additions rather than storey additions.
In recent times, talented architects and their clients have created modern Victorian houses that showcase a blend of traditional and contemporary design. Some notable examples include Glebe Red by Benn + Penna, Fitzroy Terrace by Taylor Knights, Skylight House by Chenchow Little, Orama House by Smart Design Studio, Pavilion House by Robson Rak, Rae House by Austin Maynard Architects, Paddington Terrace by Porebski Architects, Surry Hills House by Michael Cumming Architect, Winton House by Molecule Studio, and Highbury Grove by Ritz & Ghougassian.
These modern Victorian houses demonstrate the versatility and adaptability of the Victorian architectural style, combining historical elements with contemporary design principles.
Overall, Victorian style homes have left a lasting impact on the architectural landscape of Australia, with their distinctive features and historical significance.
