The first time I came across the word “bungalow” was while reading the third Nancy Drew mystery novel. It sounded mysterious, intriguing, and unique. I didn’t know it was a popular house style until coming across the term again later, when I was searching for my own place to live. According to the dictionary, a bungalow is a “low house with a broad front porch.” It doesn’t typically have a second floor, but if it does, the upper rooms have dormer windows that are set on the roof. Bungalows are a popular option for people living in Asia, North America, the UK, and Australia. There are also several different styles and types of bungalow, including ones built with mixed materials, such as the Carl Patteson model, which utilizes metal for the majority of the bungalow, with the addition of a wide, wooden front porch.
There’s a lot to like about this spacious home, including steel that has been coated with a creamy color to both protect it and keep some of the summer sun’s heat from finding its way inside. The wooden porch has rustic charm, and the stone trim completes the look, which is a cross between industrial and lodge. Of course, the Patteson design can be altered, if, for instance, you want tile instead of the stone trim, if you want darker or lighter wood to complement the light colored metal, or if you want a silver or copper metal roof. Imagine lying in bed during a summer storm and hearing the rain pelting the roof. It’s a soothing, steady sound, sure to send you right to sleep.
The outside is one thing, but can the inside match the originality and style? The Patteson team says yes, incorporating a tile floor, high ceilings, and wooden doors to keep that lodge or ranch look while retaining the stylish industrial edge. With plenty of fans, large windows, and open floor space, the bungalow is built for entertaining, relaxation, and an escape from the warmth outside. Not only did the team pay attention to the big things, the details were meticulously attended to, such as the wainscoting and exposed beams.
While many people love a porch, repairing wooden steps or floors can be intimidating and expensive. Patteson’s crew have taken care of that issue and added a concrete floor to the back porch. It’s hardier, will last longer, and is easier to keep clean — simply sweep or hose the porch down after a messy barbecue or dance night. This, too, can be changed, however, if you want a tile patio floor, or durable decking material.
Interested in seeing how a modern bungalow can be put together using a mixture of natural and factory-produced materials? You can see several photos of the exterior and interior at the Metal Building Homes site, or you can visit the Carl Patteson website and see if they’re available (they work in Texas) or if they can recommend another crew to put your beautiful bungalow together.
