Is That A Minneapolis Duplex or Double Bungalow?
While it isn’t common parlance in the Twin Cities, I occasionally hear someone use the term double bungalow when referring to a property many of us would refer to as a duplex.
In historical architecture, the term bungalow is most associated with the Craftsman era of architecture. Bungalows are typically a single-story with a low roofline and wide porch. Those of the Craftsman Style often have built-ins, brackets, columns and exposed beams.
Most often, however, the term double bungalow is associated with side by side duplexes in the outer edges of Minneapolis and St Paul, as well as first and second ring suburbs. Think post World War II side by side duplexes.
So what are the differences?
Duplex:
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- A duplex is a single building divided into two separate living units, typically with separate entrances.
- It can be arranged either vertically (one unit on top of the other) or horizontally (side by side).
- Duplexes often share a common wall and may have shared amenities, but each unit is usually independently owned or rented.
Double Bungalow:
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- A a single-story house that has been designed to accommodate two separate living units side by side, similar to a duplex but typically with a single-story layout.
- Each unit usually has its own entrance, and they may share some features, such as a common wall or roof structure.
- Double bungalows are characterized by their low profile and often have features like porches or gardens.
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In other words, technically, the main difference lies in their design and structure: duplexes can be one or two stories, while double bungalows are typically single-story homes designed for two families.