A California Bungalow Reconfigured For Light And Practicality

The intention of this Northcote home renovation can be described in just four words: let there be light!

Previously the victim of a poorly planned extension, Project 12 Architecture reconfigured the home’s layout to overcome its southern orientation and disjointed rooms. The result is a practical yet striking home, perfectly suited to family life.

Written

Amelia Barnes

Supports The Design Files

The new structure is visually in contrast to the façade’s original design features, materials and colours, and instead incorporates recycled brick, charred timber cladding and metal perforated screens. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Efficient planning means less of the site is now occupied to allow for a larger backyard. Photo – Glenn Hester.

A driving factor of the design was the need for more light to mitigate the southern orientation of the site. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Large glazed doors at the rear disappear entirely into the wall cavity to connect the interiors directly to the backyard as required. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Significant re-planning was also undertaken in the rest of the house to enable a more rational and functional layout. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Timber veneer features in the dining area of Project 12 Architecture’s Northcote home design. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Architect Aimee Goodwin attributes the success of the project to the trusting and open relationship formed between the client (who were living overseas throughout most of the build, the contractor and her team. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Economical white laminate kitchen cabinets are used alongside more luxurious materials in the kitchen. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Project 12 Architecture designed a new two-storey addition featuring a skylight void to invite in natural light throughout. Photo – Glenn Hester.

‘Considered planning sets up adjacencies between utilitarian and service spaces, prioritising light and connection of the main living areas,’ says Aimee Goodwin. Photo – Glenn Hester.

The brief was to provide a comfortable, light-filled spacious home for the young family owners. Photo – Glenn Hester.

The existing front door now functions as a more formal entry leading past the master bedroom, study and utility rooms. Photo – Glenn Hester.

The original California bungalow facade has been maintained in the renovations. Photo – Glenn Hester.

Writer

Amelia Barnes

23rd of August 2019

There are unfortunately plenty of poorly extended period homes on Australian streets, but this project shows all hope is not lost! Project 12 Architecture have successfully redesigned a California bungalow that maintains its weatherboard façade, while introducing more natural light and practical spaces.

Home to a young family, this property is a considered, functional home that ‘surprises, delights and is a joy to live in,’ according to Project 12 Architecture principal, Aimee Goodwin.

A driving factor of the design was the need for more light to mitigate the southern orientation of the site. In response, Project 12 Architecture designed a new two-storey addition featuring a skylight void to invite in natural light throughout. ‘We removed the oddly planned 80s rear extension to provide a two-storey volume that would accommodate the key living spaces on the ground floor with two bedrooms, bathroom and study area above,’ Aimee says. This new structure is visually in contrast to the façade’s original design features, materials and colours, and instead incorporates recycled brick, charred timber cladding, and metal perforated screens. Large glazed doors at the rear disappear entirely into the wall cavity to connect the interiors directly to the backyard as required.

Significant re-planning was also undertaken to the rest of the house to enable a more rational and functional layout. For example, a discrete mudroom entry has been added, providing an immediate, practical home for bags, scooters and general daily mess associated with family living! The existing front door now functions as a more formal entry leading past the master bedroom, study and utility rooms. These ‘adult’ spaces are physically and acoustically separated from living zones and children’s bedrooms. ‘We wanted to make sure we gave our clients a home that responded to the demands of the daily routine of work, kids, and the clutter they bring, and was an easy and calm space to live in,’ Aimee says.

Not only is the renovated home more practical than ever, efficient planning means less of the site is occupied to allow for a larger backyard!

Aimee attributes the success of the project to the trusting and open relationship formed between the client (who were living overseas throughout most of the build), the contractor and her team.