Inter-War architecture in NSW refers to the homes built between 1919 and 1939. You can find these charming houses everywhere, from Sydney’s suburbs to regional country towns. They are known for their solid build, detailed brickwork, and unique character.
Many people love these homes, but renovating them can feel complex. It can be hard to know where to start with heritage rules and council approvals. As specialists in NSW heritage homes for over 25 years, our team at Michael Bell Architects helps owners navigate this journey with confidence.
Inter-War Architecture NSW (1919-1939)
The Inter-War period is from 1919 to 1939. Homes from this time are very common and loved in NSW. They were built for a growing middle class that wanted modern comforts. While diverse, many Inter-War houses share some key features.
- They are built with solid brick.
- They have large, sloped roofs (gables).
- They often have decorative chimneys.
- They feature detailed timber or leadlight windows.
These homes were a big change from the fancy styles of the past. They were made for a more grounded, family-focused way of life.
Why It Matters Today
Today, people value Inter-War homes for their strong build and charming character. They often sit on large blocks of land.
Local councils across NSW see their heritage value. Many of these homes are in conservation areas. This is both a great chance and a challenge for owners. You can save a piece of history and make it work for modern life.
But you need an expert to help with council rules and design choices. This guide explains the key styles and the steps for approvals and modern updates.
Historical & Social Context (1919-1939)
Big events of the time shaped Inter-War buildings. This history helps us understand why these homes look the way they do.
Post-WWI Optimism, Great Depression & Suburban Growth
After WWI, people felt hopeful. New trains and trams helped cities grow. This led to a huge suburban expansion in places like Sydney. Families wanted a healthy life with a backyard. This made the California Bungalow style very popular. Later, the hardship of the Great Depression of the 1930s brought hard times. This led to simpler home designs that were all about progress and saving money.
Construction Technology & Material Shifts
The Inter-War years saw new ways to build. Cavity brick walls became the new standard. They were better for keeping homes warm or cool. Key materials that define the era include:
- Face Brick: Red and dark brown bricks, often in nice patterns.
- Stucco: A type of render used on the outside of walls.
- Terracotta Roof Tiles: Clay tiles in colours like red and green.
Signature Inter-War Styles in NSW
The Inter-War era had many different styles. Most came from Britain, Europe, and the USA. Here are the main styles you will find in NSW.
| Style Name | Key Features | Popular Years |
|---|---|---|
| California Bungalow | Low roof, big front porch, thick columns, natural materials. | 1920s |
| Spanish Mission | White stucco walls, arched windows, curved terracotta roof tiles. | 1920s - 1930s |
| Old English / Tudor | Steep roof, decorative timber patterns, large brick chimneys. | 1920s - 1930s |
| Art Deco | Geometric shapes, clean lines, curved corners, flat roofs. | 1930s |
| Moderne / Functionalist | Smooth curves like a ship, horizontal lines, steel windows. | 1930s |
| Georgian Revival | Symmetrical front, rectangular windows, formal entry. | 1920s - 1930s |
California Bungalow
This was the most popular style of the 1920s. It was designed for easy, informal living. These homes connect the inside with the outside, perfect for the Aussie climate.
Spanish Mission
This style brought a touch of the Mediterranean to Australia. It was inspired by Spanish churches. These homes have white stucco walls and red tile roofs. They often feel romantic.
Old English / Tudor Revival
This style looks like an old English cottage. It shows Australia's ties to Britain. These homes have steep roofs and patterns made with dark timber.
Art Deco
Art Deco was a style of glamour and progress. It is known for its bold shapes and clean lines. You often see it in apartment buildings from the 1930s.
Moderne / Functionalist
A simpler version of Art Deco, the Moderne style looked like an ocean liner. It featured smooth, curved walls and horizontal lines. It was a forward-looking style for modern life.
Georgian Revival
This style returned to the elegant, balanced look of 18th-century homes. It features a symmetrical front and a formal entry.
Urban Inter-War Architecture
In cities like Sydney and Newcastle, Inter-War buildings shaped many suburbs.
Sydney & Newcastle: Apartments, Suburban Bungalows, Civic Icons
The cities were diverse. Inner suburbs had stylish Art Deco apartment blocks. Further out, areas like Mosman and Ku-ring-gai were filled with California Bungalows.
Materials, Scale & Ornament in City Context
In cities, builders used more refined materials. They laid face brick in careful patterns. They used terrazzo flooring and steel windows. Homes were often larger, with two-storey houses and apartment buildings becoming common.
Rural & Regional Inter-War Architecture
Inter-War styles also shaped country towns and homesteads all across NSW.
Country Town Streetscapes & Homesteads
Many regional towns have amazing Art Deco banks and pubs. Their homes are often California Bungalows adapted for country life. New, large homesteads were also built in this period.
Climate & Material Adaptations
Country builders changed the styles to suit the local climate. Wider verandahs gave more shade from the sun. Good ventilation from well-placed windows was also key.
Urban vs Rural: Direct Comparison
The same styles looked different in the city and the country.
| Feature | Urban Inter-War Homes | Rural Inter-War Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Form & Plan | More compact, often two-storeys. | Single-storey, more sprawling. |
| Lot Size | Smaller, rectangular suburban lots. | Larger blocks or acreage. |
| Materiality | Used more manufactured materials. | Often used local timber and stone. |
| Ornamentation | Could be more elaborate or fancy. | Often simpler and more robust. |
Timeline & Style Comparison
The Inter-War period sits between the fancy designs of the past and the simple styles that came later.
A Simple Guide to 20th Century Styles:
- Federation (c. 1890 - 1915): Ornate and decorative.
- Inter-War (c. 1919 - 1939): Simpler and more solid.
- Post-War (c. 1945 - 1965): Very simple and functional.
Key Differences with Federation & Victorian Styles
Here is how to tell an Inter-War home from its predecessors:
| Feature | Victorian / Federation Style | Inter-War Style |
|---|---|---|
| Roof | Complex, decorative, many points. | Simpler, often one main sloped roof. |
| Walls | Red brick with fancy timber details. | Dark brick or smooth stucco render. |
| Verandah | Ornate timber patterns (fretwork). | Simpler porch with solid brick pillars. |
| Overall Feel | Decorative and detailed. | Solid, grounded, and informal. |
Heritage Overlays & Approval Pathways
If you own an Inter-War home, you must understand your local council's heritage rules.
Council Overlays
Many Inter-War suburbs are in a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA). This means any changes you make must respect the area's character. Council planners will check if your home is "contributory." This means its key features, like the front wall and roof, must be preserved.
DA vs CDC for Inter-War Homes
You will likely need to lodge a Development Application (DA) with your council. A Complying Development Certificate (CDC) is a faster option, but it is rarely allowed for homes in an HCA.
The Typical Approval Process:
- Check Heritage Rules: Find out if your home is in an HCA.
- Engage an Architect: Find an expert in heritage design.
- Develop a Concept: Create a design that respects the home's character.
- Submit to Council: Lodge a DA with all the right documents.
- Assessment: Council planners will review your application.
- Approval: Once approved, you can prepare to build.
Documentation & Typical Pain Points
A DA for a heritage home needs lots of documents. This includes a Statement of Heritage Impact. Common problems are council delays and navigating rules. An architect with local council experience helps a lot.
Renovation & Modern Adaptation
Inter-War homes have great potential. With good design, they can become beautiful, modern family homes.
Retaining Character While Updating Layout & Services
A popular approach is to restore the front rooms of the house. Then, you can create a new, open-plan living area at the back. This keeps the heritage look from the street.
Renovation Tips:
- Do: Keep original floors, ceilings, and windows where possible.
- Do: Create open living spaces at the rear of the home.
- Don't: Change the front of the house without expert advice.
- Don't: Use materials that clash with the home's original character.
Sustainability Upgrades
Inter-War homes can be made more energy efficient. Key upgrades are:
- Adding insulation to ceilings, walls, and floors.
- Installing high-performance double glazing.
- Improving natural ventilation to catch breezes.
- Discreetly adding solar panels to parts of the roof that are not seen from the street.
MBA Case Study
One of our clients came to us with a dark Art Deco building in Bellevue Hill. It was once two apartments and felt unwelcoming. Our brief was to create something traditional, but still “young” and fun. The result is a glamorous space that is easy to live in. We created a fabulous open plan kitchen and an enchanting sweeping staircase. The project shows how a heritage building can be transformed into a bright, modern home.
Area & Location Spotlights
You can find Inter-War homes all over NSW. Some areas have more than others.
| Area | Key Suburbs / Towns | Dominant Styles |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney North | Roseville, Lindfield, Mosman | California Bungalow, Old English |
| Sydney Inner West | Haberfield, Ashfield, Burwood | California Bungalow, Art Deco |
| Newcastle | Hamilton, Merewether | California Bungalow, Art Deco |
| Regional NSW | Southern Highlands, Riverina | Art Deco, Bungalow (adapted) |
Glossary & FAQ
Glossary of Styles, Approvals & Technical Terms
| Term | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Art Deco | A style from the 1930s with bold, geometric shapes. |
| Bungalow | A popular 1920s style with a low roof and big front porch. |
| DA | Development Application. The formal approval process with a council. |
| HCA | Heritage Conservation Area. An area with special rules to protect its character. |
You should always check with your local council first. In a Heritage Conservation Area (HCA), your colour choices may be limited to a specific palette to maintain the streetscape's character.
The most critical features are those visible from the street: the front façade, the overall roof shape, and original windows. Internally, significant features like fireplaces, detailed ceilings, and original timberwork should be retained wherever possible.
Yes. This is often called a "sympathetic infill" development. Councils often support new homes that thoughtfully interpret and respect the character of a heritage street. This requires careful design to get the scale, form, and material details right.
Your Heritage Journey Starts Here
Inter-War homes are a special part of NSW's history. They offer wonderful character and a solid base for modern family life. As we have seen, bringing these homes into the 21st century involves careful planning. It means respecting the past while making smart choices for the future. This journey can feel complex, but you do not have to do it alone. The right expert advice makes all the difference.
For over 25 years, Michael Bell Architects has been the trusted expert for heritage homes across Sydney and regional NSW. Our team has special experience with Inter-War architecture. We understand the challenges and the great rewards. We guide homeowners through council rules and the design process with care. Our goal is to make your project feel easy and enjoyable, turning your ideas into a beautiful, functional home.
If you are thinking about renovating your Inter-War house, we are here to help. We invite you to explore our portfolio to see how we have transformed similar homes. When you are ready.
Ready to begin? Schedule a consultation with Michael Bell Architects to discuss your vision.