Federation-House

What is 'Federation' or 'Edwardian'?

“The Edwardian era was a significant period in the 1900s in Australia,” says the award-winning architect and director of firm Preston Lane.

• “There are many such weatherboard and brick Edwardian homes and they have a lot of character. Read more:

• In 1915, ornate Edwardian houses were considered the height of fashion in Australia.

Photo: Edwardian hallway, decorative and white-painted

The architectural period in Australia is also known as Federation because it coincided with the Federation of the Australian states and territories into the Commonwealth of Australia in 1901.

Edwardian architecture draws on elements of Victorian style and Queen Anne revival period of 1895 to 1910.

The terracotta tile or galvanised iron roof is often designed with a steep pitch and the house is usually built of red bricks or weatherboards.

It is likely that it will include timber-framed windows, which often feature leadlighting, and ornate fretwork.

In the Australian versions of the English-Edwardian house, you will often find native flora and fauna motifs and geometric designs featured in the stained glass.

Read more about Edwardian Style...

• The ends of the gable and roof eaves usually have ornate timber brackets.

• Timber detailing and fretwork is also a distinctive feature.

• Plaster ceiling roses, cornices and decoratively moulded skirting and architraves are also distinctive design elements from that era.