One of the many things that makes London such a charming city is undoubtedly the diversity in architecture and the history that comes with it. Take the iconic skyline from Greenwich as an example, skyscrapers fill the sky, side by side with brutalist tower blocks, framed by the iconic naval college and Maritime Museum. The Southbank, a mixture of glass and concrete, juxtaposed by St Pauls. These iconic spaces are just the start of the wide ranging styles to see.
London’s residential architecture is no exception. From Georgian, Victorian, to Art Deco and Modernist, we have it all. There are a number of features used in these periods that overlap and evolve, today we are breaking down a selection of the most popular styles.
Georgian
When looking at this style one of the most iconic features of a Georgian house is the beautiful symmetry, and those fabulous windows. Georgian windows are traditionally a sash window with a six-panel grid design, this was due to glass technology available at the time. These stylish windows, along with the external symmetry, create a classical look. Other features found on the exteriors of Georgian homes include grand entrances often with columns, arches, decorative headers on windows and hip roofs.
Victorian
This next notable era accounts for over a quarter of the homes in the UK, Victorian of course! This is unsurprising considering more than six million houses were built between 1837 and 1901. During this period, architectural styles became significantly more diverse, incorporating a wide array of unique features that made buildings more visually intriguing and distinctive. For example, some Victorian homes still have sash windows, often with less panes than the Georgian style, but with the popular slide up opening. Others have bay windows, stained glass, gothic style and decorative shapes. Victorian architecture saw asymmetric design, steep, tiled roofs and painted brick.
Art Deco
Inspired by the industrial revolution, the Art Deco architectural style features bold shapes, geometric designs and bright colours. As well as being an architectural style, this movement encompassed furniture, textiles, ceramics and sculpture too. One of London’s most iconic Art Deco buildings is the Dehavilland building in Clapton, East London.
Modernist
Finally we’re looking at the modernist architectural movement. This style became prominent in the 20th century between the 30s and 60s. This style is the most drastic from the classical British architecture of the Georgian and Victorian eras. Originating from revolutions in technology, societal movements at the time, the modernist movement looked to get away from the traditional styles of building and to bring something radically different, functional and new. The modernist movement encompasses styles such as brutalism, with the various iconic London estates like the Barbican, Trellick Tower and The Brunswick Centre.
London’s architectural landscape is a testament to its rich and varied history, from grandiose decorative period properties to bold, geometric modernist structures. Which era is your favourite?