1930s house

The key characteristics of a 1930s house

According to the Conseil d’Architecture et d’Urbanisme et de l’Environnement de la Somme (the non-profit organisation that promotes high-quality architecture and planning in the department of the Somme), the majority of post-war housing developments in and around Amiens were built using red/brown brick to infill timber frames in the Norman half-timbered style. In these houses, the main living rooms were on the first floor, and opened onto a terraced garden.

Built high and fairly narrow, 1930s houses are often distinctive for their colour-washed stucco exteriors. Structured into a large number of separate spaces, each room has its own fireplace, touches of stained glass, solid wood parquet flooring and Art Deco detailing.

The 1930s house in today’s world

The high quality of materials used means that these houses have generally survived very well, and still retain their solid wood parquet living room floors, mosaic tiled entrance hall and kitchen, and marble bedroom fireplaces, all of which give these houses an irresistible period appeal. The only downside is their low level of insulation. Difficult to heat, they can be expensive to run in winter, so energy efficiency upgrading can benefit not only the environment, but also your wallet !