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Renovating Before & After Kitchens

Before & after: A classic Californian bungalow

4 years ago

last modified: 4 years ago

Ah, the classic Californian Bungalow! We've worked on several in both Sydney and Melbourne and every one was full of character and soul.

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

That said, in most cases, the rear of each of these homes was dark, pokey, dated and disconnected from the rear garden. Many of them had a badly designed and shoddily built lean-to type structure attached at the rear. So... not particularly suited to contemporary Australian life and the way most of us want to live today. But that's no excuse not to give these homes the respect they deserve, retain their characterful features, as well as optimise them for a new generation of owners.

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

Speaking of owners, in this case, the client was a landscape designer who understood the value that an architect could bring to his project. The brief here was to completely open up the rear to natural light, provide a fresh, contemporary kitchen and create open plan living that extended to an outside terrace, with seamless access to the garden. The family planned to live in the home for a minimum of 5 years.

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

The owners were keen to have a concept design that would enable them to streamline the planning approval process and move on to the construction phase as soon as possible. Their budget was limited and needed to be carefully considered so that we could tick as many boxes as possible. Most importantly, the original bones and character of the home needed to be respected and highlighted.

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

Overall, the project’s timeframe included 3-4 months for CDC documentation, with the happy clients moving in after a 6-month build.

Lane Cove, NSW - Renovation · More Info

Architect: Mark Wilson @ My Architect

Comments (3)

Anth Romeo
4 years ago
Love to see a good old Californian Bungalow given some TLC.
My Architect thanked Anth Romeo
Double D
4 years ago
Beautiful renovation, love the big glass doors going out to the terrace and beyond to the lush garden. The open plan looks so spacious and the kitchen is amazing. All the natural tones of the furnishings compliments the view out to the garden, very understated but so inviting.
My Architect thanked Double D
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The original house was a modified Californian Bungalow with lovely high ceilings and generously proportioned entrance hallway. Unfortunately the house was dark and inward focused. The layout did not make the best use of the available space with thoroughfares and passage way through the house. But it had great bones and was really well maintained! As an architect I love the idea of remodelling and re-purposing space instead of demolishing and throwing away. It also helps to know what the structure underneath is doing – so that modifications can be done in a cost effective manner. Here we changed the position of the lounge and dining, swapped the kitchen and bathroom, opened up a few internal walls and added a rear veranda. I love the view of the lemon tree as you enter the house and all the spaces appear well integrated. It is no longer dark with Northern light streaming into the kitchen. Best of all the kitchen has truly become the heart of the house and you can simply walk out on to the veranda with your coffee. Exterior Before Exterior After Kitchen Before Kitchen After Let us know your thoughts below!
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Your budget will define your options. First floor extensions to Californian bungalows are automatically an expensive option due to the structural costs. The original structure was not engineered to support the weight of an additional floor, so the existing house will need some re-inforcement. Apart from the cost aspect you need a sympathetic designer who understands the style of the home. Too many Californian bungalows have lost their original charm by cheaply designed, unsympathetic boxes plonked on top and behind. Without a design it is hard to be precise about costs but I would anticipate that you will be well into the six figures, so be sure about how many hundreds of thousands you are prepared to spend before you engage a building designer. To be honest with a small block and a house that requires an expensive first floor extension you may be better off considering your moving options.... Best of luck with your budget, Dr Retro of Dr Retro House Calls and Dr Retro Virtual Visits
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PRO
Emily Lancuba
3 years ago
i love the garden and that new deck so much! i can picture summer nights out there with the family so easily. And the kitchen - W O W!!! Beautiful transformation from a space that looked so small to a home that has so much room for activities!
My Architect thanked Emily Lancuba

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