Project Of The Week
Renovating
A Small-Scale Reno With Big Liveability
A modest 3-bedroom California bungalow gets a smart, family-friendly living and cooking area... on a budget
In this new Q&A series, we turn the spotlight on one thought-provoking renovation or extension each week. Here, architect Sara Tonini reveals how she and her team made smart use of a tight budget to transform a compact 1930s bungalow into a contemporary, light-filled home for a growing family.
What was the house like originally?
A 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom 1930s California bungalow.
A 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom 1930s California bungalow.
Floor plan: After (existing walls marked in black; new walls marked in white)
What exactly did you do?
What exactly did you do?
- Gave the original house a cosmetic upgrade with new paint and flooring.
- Added a new extension to the rear of the house with a spacious kitchen and meals area, TV room, laundry, pantry, study nook.
- Added an extra bathroom.
- Put in a new deck.
- Eliminated wasted space.
How would you describe the new extension?
Taking its cue from the pitch of the existing, traditional, form, the roof zigzags its way along the end of the existing California bungalow. Internally, the roof form is expressed by exposed timber ceilings. The external covered area (housing the new deck) is a reverse of the inside arrangement.
We used light-enhancing polycarbonate roof sheeting to cover the deck. Light filters through it during the day, creating a play of patterns over the floor and walls. LED strip lighting in the polycarbonate roof provides ambient lighting at night.
Taking its cue from the pitch of the existing, traditional, form, the roof zigzags its way along the end of the existing California bungalow. Internally, the roof form is expressed by exposed timber ceilings. The external covered area (housing the new deck) is a reverse of the inside arrangement.
We used light-enhancing polycarbonate roof sheeting to cover the deck. Light filters through it during the day, creating a play of patterns over the floor and walls. LED strip lighting in the polycarbonate roof provides ambient lighting at night.
What problem did this project address?
With three growing boys, the clients wanted to ensure that the design allowed for future flexibility.
The design of the extension allows for the house to be zoned for different uses at different times of the day. The existing front part of the house is now the evening zone, while the rear has been reconfigured and added to in order to become a flexible and functional daytime zone.
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With three growing boys, the clients wanted to ensure that the design allowed for future flexibility.
The design of the extension allows for the house to be zoned for different uses at different times of the day. The existing front part of the house is now the evening zone, while the rear has been reconfigured and added to in order to become a flexible and functional daytime zone.
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Where did most of the $180,000 budget go?
Mainly on the joinery. It runs throughout the house and is a key feature of the new kitchen-living area.
The selection of quality materials was important. We managed to save some costs by re-purposing existing materials where we could. For example, the existing oregon timber beans were used to create the feature window box. We also used reclaimed timber to create a desk and shelving in the study nook, and handles on the kitchen pantry doors.
Mainly on the joinery. It runs throughout the house and is a key feature of the new kitchen-living area.
The selection of quality materials was important. We managed to save some costs by re-purposing existing materials where we could. For example, the existing oregon timber beans were used to create the feature window box. We also used reclaimed timber to create a desk and shelving in the study nook, and handles on the kitchen pantry doors.
What were the clients’ must-haves?
They wanted views, inviting nooks and for the house to have a strong and fluid connection to the outside environment.
They also wanted a seamless and very considered threshold between the old and new parts of the house.
They wanted views, inviting nooks and for the house to have a strong and fluid connection to the outside environment.
They also wanted a seamless and very considered threshold between the old and new parts of the house.
What was the biggest challenge?
With a tight budget, we had to be smart and innovative with our choice of materials and construction methods in order to create the timeless and contemporary extension the clients wanted.
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With a tight budget, we had to be smart and innovative with our choice of materials and construction methods in order to create the timeless and contemporary extension the clients wanted.
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How does the new work co-exist with the original home?
The reconfiguration of the original house allows for a natural progression between the old and new parts. The focus of the house is now on family living; the new rear space opens up to the outdoors and there’s a blurred threshold between the house and garden.
The use of recycled materials from the existing house reinforces the link between the new extension and the original part of the house.
The reconfiguration of the original house allows for a natural progression between the old and new parts. The focus of the house is now on family living; the new rear space opens up to the outdoors and there’s a blurred threshold between the house and garden.
The use of recycled materials from the existing house reinforces the link between the new extension and the original part of the house.
Internal materials palette in new extension
- Polished cement sheet flooring sealed with a clear finish.
- Oregon timber beams reclaimed from the existing house.
What was your underlying philosophy when designing this home?
Whatever the size of your project, using an architect adds value. With this small construction budget, we were able to completely exceed our clients expectations while adding quality of life for the family.
Whatever the size of your project, using an architect adds value. With this small construction budget, we were able to completely exceed our clients expectations while adding quality of life for the family.
Why do you think this project works?
The new form is a light-filled space, borrowing diffused light from the polycarbone LED roof during the day. The views and inviting nooks overlooking the garden eliminate the boundaries between the indoors and out.
Tell us
What do you love about this house? Tell us why in the Comments. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join the conversation.
More
Find an architect in your area
The new form is a light-filled space, borrowing diffused light from the polycarbone LED roof during the day. The views and inviting nooks overlooking the garden eliminate the boundaries between the indoors and out.
Tell us
What do you love about this house? Tell us why in the Comments. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join the conversation.
More
Find an architect in your area
Answers by architect Sara Tonini, director at Mani Architecture
Who lives here: A family with 3 children
Location: Mordialloc, Victoria
Original size: 120 square metres
Size after extension: 180 square metres, plus a 35 square metre deck
Gained: A kitchen and meals area, a kids’ television room, powder room, laundry, butler’s pantry, study nook and deck.
Budget: About $180,000
Architect: Mani Architecture
Builder: Luxe Builders