Creating a forever home was the brief from our clients - but one that would be sympathetic to their beloved Californian Bungalow. They loved the charm and character of their existing home, but the layout and spaces were no longer suitable for their expanding family.  The solution was to utilise the bones of the existing home as their bedroom and bathroom zone - removing the old lean-to addition at the back and replacing it with an expansive living, kitchen, dining and separate activity space. The original hallway has been retained, achieved by removing the old bathroom that blocked direct access to the rear and creating a progression that leads to the open plan living.

The contrast as you progress from the old to the new is visible - with the addition making use of new and modern materials while still being sympathetic to the original home. The addition is light filled with its expansive gable end glazing that connects through to an undercover outdoor living area. A dramatic and bold statement that distinctly highlights the new from the old while echoing the high ceilings and pitched roof forms.

The spatial planning was key, creating a master bedroom in what was the original living room, and maximising the space by creating a walk-through wardrobe, with carefully disguised robe doors that lead into the ensuite. The concept of secret doors was embraced by our client - with a request for a similar effect leading to their laundry - disguised by feature batten panels to the dividing wall between the new and the old. The open plan living allows for a generous kitchen, dining and living room that wrap around a smaller semi-open activity space - suitable for the kids to break-away from the main living while still being part of the action.

By investing into and reutilising the bones of their existing home, our clients have made the sustainable choice to retain the existing and well built housing stock while transforming it into a contemporary family home.