The Bungalow Book: Floor Plans and Photos of 112 Houses, 1910
160
The Bungalow Book: Floor Plans and Photos of 112 Houses, 1910
160eBook
Related collections and offers
Overview
Early in the twentieth century, Los Angeles architect Henry Wilson, who called himself "The Bungalow Man," compiled 112 of the most popular and economic bungalow blueprints of his time in a catalog for would-be homeowners. Complementing each set of prints was an illustration or photograph of the completed house, which most frequently contained two or three bedrooms with closet space, living and dining rooms, a kitchen with pantry, and a bath.
An ideal reference for preservationists and restorers, this reprint of Wilson's rare catalog represents a wonderful time capsule and invaluable guide to a popular style of American domestic architecture.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9780486138336 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Dover Publications |
| Publication date: | 02/09/2012 |
| Series: | Dover Architecture |
| Sold by: | Barnes & Noble |
| Format: | eBook |
| Pages: | 160 |
| File size: | 34 MB |
| Note: | This product may take a few minutes to download. |
Read an Excerpt
THE BUNGALOW BOOK
By HENRY L. WILSON
Dover Publications, Inc.
Copyright © 2014 Dover Publications, Inc.All rights reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-486-13833-6
CHAPTER 1
THE-BUNGALOW
THE California Bungalow (perhaps so called from its resemblance in its more primitive form to the low-thatched homes of the Bengalese in India) is a direct descendant of the original attempts at architecture in California. It surely can trace its simple artistic lines directly back to the old Missions of the Spanish Padres, and its low overhanging eaves, large porches and general air of hospitality and coziness to the adobe houses of the pioneers. From the "'dobe shacks" of the early settlers to the charming homelike Bungalows of today may seem a long stretch, but it has come along as a steady process of evolution and improvement until today the California Bungalow is known and talked about the world over, and not even the glorious climate and everlasting sunshine call forth from the tourist so many comments of admiration and pleasure as do these cozy homes. California has earthquakes now and then, although happily their severity seems to be moderating as the years roll on, but no doubt the early Spanish Padres had no desire to have tall buildings tumbling on their devoted heads, and for this reason built their houses low and rambling, without, however, sacrificing or abandoning the rather severely plain curves and lines of their old Spanish Mission style. The result was quaint and attractive, and better still, these Mission Bungalows furnished the text which modern architectural skill has amplified and improved, until today we have the perfect Bungalow, a "house beautiful" inside and out, the very embodiment of homelike coziness and convenience, inexpensive, but of refined elegance easily adaptable to almost any location, whether mountain, plain or valley, or on the city's narrow streets, or the broad, shaded village avenues.
In the Bungalow, if properly designed, is combined grace, beauty and comfort at a minimum cost. In its arrangement as set forth in this book, the problem of easy housekeeping and homemaking is reduced almost to an exact science.
California is the home of the modern Bungalow. Its almost constant sunshine makes a house of this fashion a necessity, but there is hardly a town or city in all this broad land where the Bungalow would not prove more attractive than any other style of house. As the "farm house" or the ranch "hacienda," the Bungalow style is ideal.
In the Bungalow is the possibility of combining economy in cost with artistic beauty to an almost unlimited degree. Recognizing this fact long ago, I have for many years directed my best efforts to the perfecting of this style of building, and I take pride in exhibiting the results of my labor and study in the pages of the Bungalow Book, four large editions of which have been completely exhausted in two and a half years.
A notable feature of all my plans is the close symmetrical relation between exteriors and interiors, thus combining graceful outlines with inside convenience and comfort. I find it is a big mistake to adopt a floor plan and then endeavor to fit an exterior to it. Many architects do this, I know, but the result is never satisfactory, and a house so designed is never pleasing to the eye; in fact, it usually attracts attention only by its ugliness. Concessions must be made, and both inside and outside details must be modified to gain that atmosphere of cozy elegance which is so much admired in all of my plans, and I do not feel that my years of study and labor have been all in vain when I receive the expressions of pleasure and commendation from the thousands who have built homes from my designs.
The Bungalow is a radical departure from the older styles of cottage, not only in outward appearance, but in inside arrangement. The straight, cold entrance hall and the stiff, prim, usually darkened parlor have no place in it. Entrance is usually into a large living room—the room where the family gathers, and in which the visitor feels at once the warm, homelike hospitality. Everything in this room should suggest comfort and restfulness. The open fireplace and low, broad mantel, a cozy nook or corner, or a broad window seat, are all means to the desired end. Bookcases or shelves may be fitted into convenient places, and ceiling beams add an air of homely quaintness which never grows tiresome.
Where there is room, I suggest that by all means a den should find a place in your plan. This room need not be large, but its very name is suggestive of luxurious rest amid piles of cushions and surrounded by curios and mementoes which accumulate in every family, each reminiscent of good times gone by. Many one-story Bungalows may have in the attic a den or smoking or billiard room.
The dining room should be large and well lighted, and as it will contain few articles of furniture, it may be finished somewhat elaborately, with paneled wainscoating, plate-rail, etc.
Sleeping rooms should be light and well ventilated, and decorated in rather bright, cheerful tints.
Owing to the comparative smallness of the ordinary bath room, we must strive to arrange the various fixtures in the most economical manner. To dispense with chairs, we might build a seat in some convenient corner. Aside from a medicine cabinet and a linen closet for towels, etc., very little remains to complete this room. For an inexpensive wainscot, hard wall plaster is a suitable alternative for the genuine tile. From the top of the wainscot, which is usually about four feet, a light tint for the walls and ceiling, together with white enameled woodwork, is suggestive of purity and cleanliness, and is very pleasing. Where one can afford decorations, a continuous design of a water scene with lilies and swan thrown in at intervals adds richness to the room.
I am inclined to believe that every housewife who plans a house commences with the kitchen, and I am still more inclined to think she is right. It is a most important room, and should be made as cheerful and convenient as possible. Saving of steps means conservation of energy and health, and consequently promotes the general welfare of the family. Where it is possible, the sink should be in the center of the long drainboard, so that the soiled dishes can be placed at one end and when washed laid on the other. The space underneath the drain-board may be utilized for kitchen utensils. In the modern kitchen much attention is given to the proper distribution of the various cupboards, flour bins, spice receptacles and the many little contrivances which appeal to women. Here, too, the hard wall wainscot, well painted, or, better still, enameled, is valuable from the standpoint of sanitation, as it washes easily and does not absorb dust. White enameled wood work, although more expensive than the natural finish or paint, makes an ideal finish for the kitchen.
PLANS and SPECIFICATIONS
$10.00
Entitles you to a copy of the Wilson, Bungalow Book and a complete set of working drawings, details and specifications of any design shown in this book.
WHAT A SET OF PLANS CONSIST OF
A complete set of plans consists of a foundation and cellar plan, floor plans, four elevations and all necessary details; and a complete set of specifications.
The floor plans show the exact size of all rooms, halls, closets, bath rooms, pantries, porches, etc., the location and sizes of all doors and windows; the position of all plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, etc. The details show an elevation and cross section of all exterior and interior trim, such as buffets, mantels, bookcases, seats and medicine cabinets, kitchen and pantry cupboard, flour bins, spice drawers, cooling closets, sinks, draining boards, etc. They also show the construction of beam ceilings, panel wainscoting, as well as sizes and style of all trim, window frames, casement windows, brackets, beams, etc., all figured and drawn to a sufficient scale to enable any carpenter to carry out without the least trouble. The plans are drawn to a quarter of an inch to the foot, and the details are drawn from one-half inch to three inches to the foot, making them sufficiently large to be easily understood.
The specifications are as complete as can be made, great care having been taken to have every item specified, including binding clauses to the contractors, etc.
Duplicate plans and specifications will be furnished for $2.50 per set.
Number 137 is one of the most popular designs ever issued from my studio. It has been built many times in Southern California at a cost of about $4,000.00, but it always looks as if it must have cost nearly double that amount. It is a two-story Bungalow of the Swiss Chalet type. It is 36 feet front (not including the porte-cochere) and 40 feet deep, exclusive of the garage at the rear and the tile-floored terrace in front. The Porte-cochere, columns, chimney and exterior walls to belt course is covered with stucco; the walls above belt course are covered with shakes, which are 6 inches wide and 30 inches long, layed 14 inches to the weather. This treatment gives a very artistic effect. If shakes cannot be obtained, shingles may be used instead. Exact dimensions are given on the floor plans, which illustrate many details and should be carefully studied to note the features which have been worked in.
Note also the outline sketch of the interior of living room, with a glimpse of the dining room and stairway platform in the extreme distance. This sketch also gives an idea of the beam-ceiling effect when artistically done. The specifications call for hardwood floors, and beam ceilings in the living room and dining room. Note the very convenient kitchen with separate servants' stairway, the den with gas fireplace and mantel with book shelves on either side, the broad window seat in dining room and buffet in same room, the large open fire-place with seats in living room, etc., etc. See floor plans on next page.
A very popular design, cozy, homelike and adapted to almost any locality or situation. The rooms are well arranged and the interior is very attractive. This house is 40 feet square over all, and it can be built for about $1,600.
Complete plans and specifications of this house, with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
No. 157. To arrange six rooms conveniently seems to be the demand of the general public, and this house is successfully meeting that demand. There is not much waste hall, and yet any room may be entered without interfering with the occupants in the others. For a six-room bungalow this is inexpensive, convenient and attractive. The size is 32 feet by about 51 feet, and its cost is about $1,800.
Complete plans and specifications of this house, with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
Number 151 has many odd and attractive features. The cobble stone porch with cement steps add to the attractiveness of this Bungalow. The exterior walls are covered with resawed weather - boarding, which may be stained any color to suit owner. The living room and dining rooms have paneled wainscoting, beam ceilings and oak floors, a beautiful buffet in the dining room with leaded glass doors above, a plate mirror over counter shelf and cupboards and drawers below. The buffet kitchen is amply supplied with cupboards, cooling closets, etc. The size of this house is 31x42 feet, not including the porch, and the cost to build is about $1,700.
Complete plans and specifications of this house, with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
Number 158 makes a very desirable seven-room Bungalow. The exterior is very attractive and the interior is so economically arranged as to give much room for comparatively little money. The den, living room and dining rooms have oak floors and panel wainscoting with plate rail at top. The buffet has art glass back, which gives a very good effect. The breakfast room may be used as a sewing room or an extra bed room, as may be desired. The dimensions of this house are 34x46 feet and will cost to build about $1,900.
Complete plans and specifications of this house, with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
No. 167 is modeled somewhat on the Swiss Chalet style. It is 32 feet front by 45 feet deep, and can be built for about $3,000. Note the buffet kitchen with back stairway, the sun porch opening out of the dining room, the sewing room, the large front piazza, the open brick fireplace in living room with seats on either side, the buffet in dining room, etc. The second floor has four nice chambers and bath room, plenty of closets and a minimum waste of space for hall; in fact, for economical utilizing of space I doubt whether the plan could be surpassed. The exterior of this house is very attractive. The foundation and buttresses of front porch are of clinker brick and cobblestones, and every line and every proportion of the entire structure are exactly right.
Hardwood floors in hall, living and dining rooms. Beam ceiling in hall and living room. Panel wainscoting in living and dining rooms.
Complete plans and specifications of this house, with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
A substantial roomy house, on pure bungalow lines, and not expensive. The rooms are large, light and airy, and it will prove an ideal home for a small family. Size about 40 feet square, and cost about $1,800. The buffet kitchen with sink and cupboards in the bay window is a taking feature.
Complete plans and specifications of this house, with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
A solid, compact little bungalow, the beauty of which is its almost severely plain lines but well balanced proportions. It looks like a home in every exterior aspect, and the cozy interior strengthens this impression. Size 32 by 46 feet, and will cost about $1,800. The buffet kitchen and pantry are attractive features.
Complete plans and specifications of this house with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
This cement finished mission Bungalow of seven rooms, exclusive of bath and tower room, is a home that will appeal to many. The rooms are ample in size and admirable in arrangement; especially so for a family entertaining much; the reception hall, the living room and the dining room being arranged en suite, with a floor space of nearly 700 square feet. To this the corner bedroom can be added by throwing open the connecting door. There is a tower room which can be used as an open-air sleeping room, or it can be fitted with windows and used for a bedroom or den. The flat part of the roof can be made into a roof-garden if desired.
The dimensions are 431/2 feet front and 44 ½ feet deep, exclusive of porch and nook, etc., and it should be built for about $3,000, with beamed ceilings in the three principal rooms.
Complete plans and specifications of this house, with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
No. 190. For a six-room house, perhaps this is the plan which I most frequently suggest, and never has it failed to bear out my recommendation. Its exterior is massive, solid and artistic. The broad span of the front, the heavy cobblestone pillars, foundation walls and exposed chimney, in connection with the overhanging eaves and shed-roof dormer, all add artistic beauty.
With vines covering the stone work and arches, and shrubbery about the foundations walls, it would be difficult to conceive of a more beautiful home. The interior is quite as attractive, and convenient to the last degree. The living room has broad open fire-place, with cobblestone mantel, beam ceiling, hardwood floor and panel wainscot. Dining room has floors, ceiling, etc., to match living room. Size of house, 30 feet front by 47 feet deep, and can be built for about $2,350.
Complete plans and specifications, $10.00.
No. 195. Nothing is more offensive to good taste in architecture than too much "gingerbread" trimming, but the artistic introduction of heavy roof brackets, flower boxes and overhanging shed-roofs greatly enhance the attractiveness of this beautiful and very popular home.
A pleasing effect is produced by the irregular boulders in the exposed brick chimney. Note the convenient, roomy interior, the abundance of closets, the open fireplace, with book shelves on each side, etc. Instead of a conventional buffet, the dining room has a china closet each side of window ledge. This house is 24 feet front by 41 feet deep, and with hardwood floors and beam ceilings in hall, dining and living rooms, has been built for $2,500.00.
Plans and specifications. $10.00.
A charming little home for a 50-foot, or wider, lot. The outside construction is rough finish with shakes on the walls. Shingles or weatherboarding can be used if preferred. The piano alcove could be used for a den or office.
This house is 38 feet front, including nook, and about 50 deep, including front porch, and will cost about $1,800.
Complete plans and specifications of this house with all necessary details, either as shown on this page or reversed, will be furnished for $10.00.
(Continues...)
Excerpted from THE BUNGALOW BOOK by HENRY L. WILSON. Copyright © 2014 Dover Publications, Inc.. Excerpted by permission of Dover Publications, Inc..
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.
Table of Contents
Contents
Title Page,Copyright Page,
THE-BUNGALOW,
COMMENTS - From a few purchasers of BUNGALOW PLANS,