Union Period

The period between the world wars was characterised by architectural change, moving away from traditional design strongly influenced by the British. Classical details were prevalent, but with a South African adaptation of architectural elements that were more appropriate to the climate and context. New materials now included the clay roof tiles, bricks and quarry tiles. These were combined with fine plaster detailing and classical colonnades. The Period includes the Berea Style, which is influenced by Spanish Architecture, Art-Deco and International styles and detailing. The period also saw the development of an Indian vernacular in the mixed-use Indian owned commercial buildings, incorporating colonnades, arched verandas and classical columns.