‘’How have houses changed in Richmond from the 20 th century onwards?’’ Jaycie Zhao

The Gold Rush The Federation of Australia World War 2

Invented because tents were too small Could be setup without professional help Cheap Made of corrugated iron, with wood panelling over the top Range of sizes; from a 2 roomed cottage to a mansion Bigger houses were for richer people Smaller houses could house up to 10 people Kitchen outside Toilet was shared with other houses until the dunny was invented

However, for people that were not intending to head to the gold fields, cottages made from timber were popular 2-3 rooms Outdoor kitchen and toilet Crammed between other houses Shared backyards Poor sanitation and sewage disposal (most was dumped into the Yarra) meant disease was rampant

Federation united the nation, creating a better economy for better houses Based off houses from the Victorian, Edwardian and Georgian eras. This architecture style was popular during Notable features are the veranda in Australian homes Richmond homes still have remnants of these house styles Australian symbols such as the wattle flower, Australian coat of arms Wooden lattices used Big gardens desired by families Most popular style was called ‘’Federation Queen Anne’ Very elaborate

Much of the older buildings on Collins St in the CBD are also of the Federation style More examples:

Very short supply of materials because of war, and the depression before it. Houses during Federation could not be built, and materials turned back to corrugated iron, timber and concrete. Small, no veranda or fireplace Sewage services not always available In the few months post war, houses could be likened to the cottages during the gold rush Richmond is closer to the city; hence higher population. Houses needed to be close together, and quite small.

As time passed and materials became more available, brick veneer buildings became popular during the 1950’s, and houses became bigger again The exponential increase in immigrants from Europe and Asia meant less inner-suburban homes, and the development of high rise flats In Richmond especially, certain areas are dominated by Chinese and Vietnamese communities

Houses have changed according to the times, how much money is available during that time, as well as the population in the area. This is evident on the change of the house styles and materials used to build them, in the mentioned time periods. All three styles of houses can still be seen if you walk around Richmond, scattered in between modern houses It is important to keep the memory of these houses intact to preserve the history surrounding them; not only houses but other buildings such as St Stephens Church (which is of the ‘Arts and Craft’ style of Federation Architecture, notable due to its towering spire)

Melbourne History exhibit at the Melbourne Museum Heritage House visit during the bike ride architecture-1890-%E2%80% / architecture-1890-%E2%80% /