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:
Double Bungalow:
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.