Reinventing the 'Bungalow Out the Back'
Let's face it, who wouldn’t want a bungalow in their backyard? Check out the odd, interesting and best in Aussie backyard bungalows here
Briony Darcy
18 December 2014
Houzz Australia Contributor. Principal of DE atelier Architects. I live and breathe architecture with my lovely husband and fellow architect, Leon Eyck. We travelled the world together seeking gastronomic delights and beautiful architecture. Homeward bound, we set up our practice and started our little family. My passion is family and the unique architecture that makes a home and soul for a family.
Houzz Australia Contributor. Principal of DE atelier Architects. I live and breathe... More
I have gone in search of the Aussie bungalow to share the delights of this peculiar architectural typology … only to be a little stumped. I have lived in Victoria for many of my 40 odd years (I can’t believe I am confessing my age … the 4 oh has been keeping a very low profile), only to discover that the bungalow is not generically known across our lands and has subtle regional differences. The term bungalow or granny flat is interchangeable in Victoria and Sydney. We are not talking about the Californian or Victorian variety. For the purposes of this article, our great Aussie bungalow refers to; a partially self-contained, often rectilinear dwelling, located in the backyard, separate to the main house.
Traditionally, the bungalow was for the grandy, allowing an elderly parent to age close to the family, providing peace and mind to all while maintaining a level of independence for the grandparent. This was the traditional way to care for our elderly rather than ship them off to the old folks village. Over time, the bungalow has filled a myriad of purposes: the quiet place for the final year student, the home office, escape for the divorced parent, art or music studio. Let’s check out the odd, interesting and the best…
Traditionally, the bungalow was for the grandy, allowing an elderly parent to age close to the family, providing peace and mind to all while maintaining a level of independence for the grandparent. This was the traditional way to care for our elderly rather than ship them off to the old folks village. Over time, the bungalow has filled a myriad of purposes: the quiet place for the final year student, the home office, escape for the divorced parent, art or music studio. Let’s check out the odd, interesting and the best…
Bungalow pod
Stretching for a little more space, this new Sydney bungalow, fondly termed the ‘pod’ by its owners, filled the need to provide overflow accommodation for visiting grandparents and family from overseas. Designed by Takt Studio, it is a modern take on the traditional bungalow, poised in the garden and stilted to capture the distant mountain views. It is beautifully crafted with charred hardwood portals, providing rhythm across the facade, contrasting against the pale grey facade.
Stretching for a little more space, this new Sydney bungalow, fondly termed the ‘pod’ by its owners, filled the need to provide overflow accommodation for visiting grandparents and family from overseas. Designed by Takt Studio, it is a modern take on the traditional bungalow, poised in the garden and stilted to capture the distant mountain views. It is beautifully crafted with charred hardwood portals, providing rhythm across the facade, contrasting against the pale grey facade.
Internally, the charred hardwood portals are clearly visible between the plywood wall and ceiling cladding. The narrow space is floodlit from above with a clear overhead skylight that runs the length of the bungalow, leading a path of light and transitioning from the private bedroom zone to the cosy living space.
Bungalow subdivision
This little bungalow is one of the originals, albeit with a significant facelift. Situated on a corner block, this little gem was ripe for subdividing the backyard off from the main dwelling. It allowed the original owners to realise equity, and the young, newly-wed couple to purchase an affordable foothold into the lustrous Bawyln North suburb on a sub 300 square metre lot.
This little bungalow is one of the originals, albeit with a significant facelift. Situated on a corner block, this little gem was ripe for subdividing the backyard off from the main dwelling. It allowed the original owners to realise equity, and the young, newly-wed couple to purchase an affordable foothold into the lustrous Bawyln North suburb on a sub 300 square metre lot.
The L-shaped footprint formed the extension for the new bedroom. Plywood stained awnings wrapped around the north and east facade providing much needed sun protection to this face. Oversized stacking sliding doors connect the large deck and internal living zone. On a small lot, it is especially important that all spaces are carefully considered and designed to make the most for family living.
Shed bungalow
What might have started as a garden shed has entered the stratosphere of the bungalow, creating a welcome art studio for its owner. A quiet, tranquil retreat in the bush setting.
What might have started as a garden shed has entered the stratosphere of the bungalow, creating a welcome art studio for its owner. A quiet, tranquil retreat in the bush setting.
High-tech bungalow
The architects at Harwyns have taken the bungalow to a new high-tech, stylish level with prefabricated studios, designed to easily fit into your backyard and completely kitted out to suit your next home office.
These are the bungalows of the future. With the changing pace of society and the benefits of technology, many of the workforce are realising the benefits of working from home. The Harwyns’ bungalow may become a common sight in the backyards of tomorrow.
The architects at Harwyns have taken the bungalow to a new high-tech, stylish level with prefabricated studios, designed to easily fit into your backyard and completely kitted out to suit your next home office.
These are the bungalows of the future. With the changing pace of society and the benefits of technology, many of the workforce are realising the benefits of working from home. The Harwyns’ bungalow may become a common sight in the backyards of tomorrow.
Grand bungalow
This grand style bungalow was featured at this year’s prestigious Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. It is a design of old and formal landscape that would sit comfortably in the leafy, eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It could be used for a music recital or library retreat.
This grand style bungalow was featured at this year’s prestigious Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. It is a design of old and formal landscape that would sit comfortably in the leafy, eastern suburbs of Melbourne. It could be used for a music recital or library retreat.
Playful bungalow
In Washington, USA, this bungalow is a children’s playhouse, a design that was inspired by the artist Mondrian. The principal requirements of modular construction – easy to transport and erect on site – are some of the key elements that need to be considered when constructing a bungalow in your backyard. You also need to check the planning and zoning requirements with your local council too.
MORE
Traditional and Not-So-Traditional Granny Flats
Iconic Homes That Showcase Modern Architecture
Live Big in a Small House: 25 Tricks to Expand Your Space
In Washington, USA, this bungalow is a children’s playhouse, a design that was inspired by the artist Mondrian. The principal requirements of modular construction – easy to transport and erect on site – are some of the key elements that need to be considered when constructing a bungalow in your backyard. You also need to check the planning and zoning requirements with your local council too.
MORE
Traditional and Not-So-Traditional Granny Flats
Iconic Homes That Showcase Modern Architecture
Live Big in a Small House: 25 Tricks to Expand Your Space
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Grand bungalow - looks like it includes something like a Victorian bookcase?
and I vote 1 for this article Briony Darcy.