Stickybeak of the Week: A Single-Storey Bungalow Raises the Roof
The clean lines and pared-back interior of this beach-style home ensure all eyes are on the dramatic design features
Originally a dark and closed-in bungalow, this detached property has been transformed into an open, light-filled beach-style house thanks to a stunning first-floor addition and a complete interior overhaul. The owners, a family of five, bought the single-storey 1980s bungalow a few years ago, knowing it would take plenty of time and work to create a practical and welcoming home for their expanding family. However, the close proximity to Sydney’s Northern Beaches was enough to make them rise to the challenge.
The house was originally a three-bedroom bungalow, with an open-plan living area and eat-in kitchen. The architect retained the back aspect of the house, keeping the bi-fold doors…
… and worked with as much of the original kitchen layout as possible, replacing the units and benchtop and adding a bank of bespoke cupboards.
First floor
In the new first-floor addition, exposed rafters painted white encourage the sense of space and light in the parents’ retreat, and add interest and drama to the pared-back interior. Sumptuous grey carpet anchors the all-white scheme, while warm timber accents are dotted around for cohesion.
Wall and ceiling paint: Dulux ‘Lexicon Quarter’
Wall and ceiling paint: Dulux ‘Lexicon Quarter’
The biggest challenge Deuchrass faced during the project was the tight time constraints the owners had set. “Even though we faced setback restrictions with regards to neighbouring properties, we were able to achieve combined planning and construction approval under a CDC (Complying Development Consent) and have the assessment fast-tracked. This was a huge advantage for the project as we had a tight deadline to meet,” he says.
Lush views were top of the wish list, as was the orientation to the sun, so the roofline was continued over the balcony to create a canopy and offer protection from the heat. “The semi-enclosed balcony was also designed to provide privacy from neighbouring properties,” says Deuchrass.
Carpet: Carpet Court
Carpet: Carpet Court
James Hardie Scyon weatherboard was chosen for the exterior for protection from the coastal elements. The weatherboard was continued onto the balcony to break up the white walls and forge a link between inside and out.
A dressing table area was created in an alcove in the master bedroom, with a floating drawer unit fitted to conceal clutter. “We’ve used timber veneer touches throughout the house to bring a subtle warmth to the cool greys and whites, and to hint at a beachy feel in a sophisticated way,” says Deuchrass.
Beyond the dressing area, a contemporary ensuite offers a surprise with eye-catching pattern and a bold black-tiled wall. “We wanted this room to be a contrast to the tranquil all-white space next door, and to offer an invigorating vibe,” says Deuchrass.
As the room is flooded with light from an abundance of frosted windows, the space could take the intensity of the black-tiled wall, while the streamlined vanity and toilet – with concealed cistern – keep it feeling bright and spacious.
The black towel rail is a clever alternative to the usual chrome designs, as it grabs attention against the white wall and helps to bring harmony to the monochrome scheme.
The black towel rail is a clever alternative to the usual chrome designs, as it grabs attention against the white wall and helps to bring harmony to the monochrome scheme.
Three children’s bedrooms are located on the new first floor, as is the family bathroom, which is designed in contrast to the hotel-style ensuite. The couple went for a breezy coastal feel for this space, with relaxed driftwood veneer on the vanity and watery-blue wall tiles.
Ground floor level
The ground floor also underwent an enormous change, with internal walls removed and the layout reconfigured to create an open-plan kitchen, dining and living space, and a separate guest space-cum-rumpus room. “In the kitchen itself, we worked with the existing floor plan as much as we could without pulling everything out,” says Deuchrass, enabling a large central island to be retained.
The kitchen is in keeping with the laid-back coastal theme of the bedrooms and family bathroom, with sea-blue base units teamed with crisp white benchtops. Bespoke storage now creates a neat bank of units around the fridge, while the tongue-and-groove panelling continues the subtle beach-house theme.
The kitchen is in keeping with the laid-back coastal theme of the bedrooms and family bathroom, with sea-blue base units teamed with crisp white benchtops. Bespoke storage now creates a neat bank of units around the fridge, while the tongue-and-groove panelling continues the subtle beach-house theme.
Another linking element is the splashback tiles that have been laid in a herringbone pattern, similar to that in the family bathroom, while hints of pale timber are peppered around the space for warmth and cohesion.
Thanks to the tight time frame, the project finished promptly in May 2017 after 11 months of construction work. “We planned the project meticulously, setting in stone key dates and milestones for when things needed to be finalised, so that we could achieve the deadline,” says Deuchrass.
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More
Did you catch last week’s Danish Houzz Tour: A Comfortable Home With Family in Mind
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, like the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Did you catch last week’s Danish Houzz Tour: A Comfortable Home With Family in Mind
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Who lives here: A couple with three children and two cats
Location: Manlyvale, NSW
Size: 153 square metres; 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Architect: John Deuchrass Architects
Builders: Jim Wilson Constructions
The main priority for the owners was to open up the house, fill it with light, and create a functional home for their busy family. The first-floor addition now houses four bedrooms and two bathrooms, including a luxurious parents’ retreat with a walk-in wardrobe and balcony. Meanwhile downstairs, walls were removed and the layout reconfigured to create a large eat-in kitchen and living space that flows seamlessly into the back garden.