Colonial Georgian (1788-1850)
FeaturesSymmetrical Verandahs Windows with 12 or more small panes. Some had elegant French doors with louvred timber shutters Doors with four or six panels Fanlights over entrance doors Timber column, sometimes in simple classical styles High pitched roofs of timber shingles, slate or imported flat iron tiles Walls often limewashed Separate kitchen building, often connected to the house by a covered way |
InfluencesCompared to the primitives these were more substantial, refined and comfortable houses of brick or stone. Many were architect designed or based on imported plans. One of the main influences was the bungalow which had been developed in Colonial India. Indeed, the major change to English Georgian architecture was the addition of a veranda for protection from the hot sun. Small paned Georgian windows were used because of the limitations of glass making. "Crown Glass" was hand blown, thus giving the rippled effect seen in old windows. Bricks were usually soft and porous as they were hand moulded and fired in a woodfuelled kiln. The principles of timber structures were poorly understood so that, for example, roof spans were short. The limited range of natural pigments restricted colours to white, cream, green, red, brown, black and combinations thereof. Mass produced nails, general hardware and cast iron posts became increasingly available as the iron and steel industry developed in Britain. |
Regency or Late Georgian (1825-1850)
FeaturesMore consciously designed Usually two storey Symmetrical Formal entrance porch rather than a verandah Exterior walls plastered and groved to imitate stone Parapets Larger windows Four, six or eight panel doors Stylistic details of Greek, Roman or medieval Gothic derivation for chimney-pieces, windows, etc. Often elliptical bay windows |
InfluencesPeople by this time were becoming wealthier and wanted to emulate their English counterparts. This is a more elaborate form of Colonial Georgian architecture, designed by architects or builders influenced by British pattern books. In the same period Gothic features like pointed windows and battlemented towers became popular, principally for churches and school buildings. Wealthy residents, using British pattern books, constructed romantic houses of stone in the Regency Gothic style An example is Government House, Sydney. |
