Project Brief
To create a master-suite and second living area, improve natural light and indoor outdoor flow.
Family home is a 1926 California Bungalow, situated in a quiet residential street, bordered with leafy trees. Streetscape architecture is clusters of bungalows, intermixed with more modern substantial homes.
The problem
The original bungalow had formal living areas to the front, with a feature bay window. During a previous owner’s renovation, living spaces were moved to the rear southern aspect of the home to access the gardens. Our client was frustrated with sun on the roof and very little inside the living spaces. The rear elevation was austere, dominating with the high gable which completely overwhelmed the character of the bay window and small French doors to the garden.
The simple brief was to create a new master suite and second living area, whilst retaining an office. The Architectural fabric and integrity of the original character to remain, but the design to embrace flexible, modern open plan living.
DESIGN FEATURES & CREATIVE SOLUTIONS
The new extension designed to blend seamlessly with the original traditional architecture, and merging aspects of contemporary design. With soaring gable interior ceilings, large cavity sliding doors to close off the living when required. Large stacker slides to create an indoor-outdoor flow and dramatic skylights, which retained privacy and bathed the original gloomy kitchen in sunlight.
The rear of the family home is now in complete contrast to its predecessor, flooded with light, volume and embracing the garden beyond.
Interior Design
The interior spaces were reconfigured and a modest 3m extension to the dining and a new 5.2m2 living room extension. The living room has a contemporary gable interior, with the ridge flanked by two small skylights. The bay window seat was relocated, new French doors facing west onto the new deck allow sunlight to flood the interior.
The back door rotates 90 degrees and utility cupboard created with sliding doors. The cupboard screens the back door, providing an alcove for a bench, hooks for schoolbags. The original kitchen was modernised with a waterfall bench and wine rack.
Alterations
The original living room became the master bedroom, the main bathroom became the ensuite, the laundry became the main bathroom and the master bedroom became fourth bedroom-chillout space.
Use of matching timber weather-boards, exposed rafter eaves, timber shingles, recycled matai flooring and corrugated iron roof, create a seamless extension. Flooring details the line of the original home. As budget and minimising waste was important, all but one of the old windows were reused.
Traditional and Modern Architecture
Blend of traditional exterior and contemporary interior, creates a large sunlit kitchen, dining and sitting area. Bi-parting French doors close off the living room, panelled ceilings are replicated. Bank of three skylights and large stacker sliders allow the changing light to filter into the interior, creating atmospheric mood and drama.
A respectful extension which celebrates the bungalow style, but embraces a contemporary interior.