An Under-Utilised Backyard Makes Way for a Modern Extension
A light-filled extension out the back gives a California bungalow contemporary character
This modern extension was added to the rear of a California bungalow in Melbourne to give the family who lives within added living space, while making use of the outdoor area that wasn’t previously used much. The north-facing extension lets in plenty of light, and the high peaked ceilings give it a defining character. Robert Davidov of Davidov Partners Architects was the architect behind the design and says the family now love using it as the hub of the house.
As the roof adds the drama and interest to the room, Davidov says the interiors didn’t need to be overly designed. Instead they stuck to a soft powdery grey colour palette on the walls and joinery.
The built-in joinery was important for the young family to maintain order, providing storage for toys, games, crockery, books, shoes and clothing.
The built-in joinery was important for the young family to maintain order, providing storage for toys, games, crockery, books, shoes and clothing.
Seen here, the kitchen is made up of 2-pack-finished cabinets with push-to-open fittings that Davidov says give the space a clean finish. The benchtop is a honed Caesarstone that’s both durable and easy to maintain. An induction stovetop was also installed to continue the seamless contemporary style, and an instant hot water tap.
The homeowners chose all the decorative pieces themselves, some of which were new and some existing. One of their favourite newly-bought items is the Jardan dining table, which goes nicely with the smoked and oiled European oak flooring that Davidov laid to give warmth to the space.
Old and new sections connect through a hallway. The fall in the lay of the land meant that a flight of stairs was needed to lead from the original house to the new living space. This built-in bench is adjacent to the laundry and connects to the backyard area, offering views of the old California bungalow style merging with the contemporary extension.
“It was critical for the clients to have a living space that had a very strong connection directly to the outdoor space where they and their kids spend a lot of time,” says Davidov.
“It was critical for the clients to have a living space that had a very strong connection directly to the outdoor space where they and their kids spend a lot of time,” says Davidov.
A new contemporary bathroom makes it more convenient for the family to use than the ones in the original part of the home. It contains a shower, toilet and basin area.
Davidov says the homeowners use the space for lots of entertaining and time spent as a family. “It’s a light-filled and playful room that allows the family to come together and take advantage of the backyard and natural light,” he says.
TELL US
What do you like about this contemporary extension used as the hub of the home? Let us know in the Comments section.
TELL US
What do you like about this contemporary extension used as the hub of the home? Let us know in the Comments section.
Who lives here: A growing family of four and their dog
Location: Caulfield North, Victoria
Size: 83 square metres (including living and dining area, bathroom and kitchen)
Construction of the extension took place in mid 2015 and was completed in early 2016, taking over part of the under-utilised backyard. The new wing consists of the main living and dining areas, the kitchen, a bathroom at the top of the stairs and the stairs themselves. By adding the main living areas to the extension, Davidov was able to create more space in the existing part of the home for additional bedrooms, bathrooms and storage.
“The location of the space, nestled into the corner of the site against the side boundary, maximises the outdoor area and prevents over-shadowing to the southern neighbours’ backyard,” Davidov explains. To locate it so close to the boundaries, Davidov did have to adhere to strict regulations, which he said was challenging at times.