1928 CALIFORNIAN BUNGALOW || Transforming Tradition: Modern Extension to a Kensington Park Bungalow
Nestled within the quaint streets of Kensington Park, South Australia, a 1928 Californian Bungalow has been reimagined, thanks to the team at Glasshouse Projects.
In a bold endeavour to marry functionality with historical charm, this renovation and extension project presents an avant-garde twist to classic architecture.
At the heart of the redesign was a second-story loft, providing the much-needed space for a growing family while paying homage to the area's heritage. This modern intervention not only respects the original structure but also enhances the streetscape with its deliberate yet subtle, contemporary flair.
The steel cladding and brick facade helps to ground the architecture. Photo: Aaron Citti.
The use of brick in the construction is pivotal, not merely for its structural integrity but for its aesthetic gravitas. The stack-bond brickwork echoes the geometric lines of the new addition, creating a visual dialogue with the traditional red brick of the original bungalow. This material continuity extends inside, where the brick features become a tactile reminder of the exterior form, ensuring a cohesive design language throughout.
Stunning floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors dissolve boundaries between indoors and out.
Clean, minimalist kitchen design with a mirrored backsplash.
Oversized floor-to-ceiling glass doors dissolve the boundaries between indoors and out, bringing in a flood of natural light to the northern living areas. The visual weight of the brick is lightened, and the family's connection to their environment is strengthened, fostering a serene living space that is both open and intimate.
By opting for lofted ceilings, the design works around local council height restrictions, providing the family with the upper-level expansion they require. Clad in lightweight steel, the upper story juxtaposes the brick's solidity, achieving an equilibrium that is visually striking and contextually fitting.
Herringbone oak flooring extends across the entire extension, adding a tactile warmth to the minimalist palette. This durable choice is intentionally selected to withstand the lively activities of children, ensuring that the home's elegance is as enduring as it is enchanting.
A built-in bench lets one wake up to the natural light coming in from the windows while overlooking the mini garden outside the bedroom window.
Clever storage solutions, like under-stair wine racks and built-in cabinetry, are a nod to smart design, maximizing every inch of the 416 square meters of living space. The result is a home that epitomizes efficiency without sacrificing style.
Lead Designer Angela Gianquitto reflects on the project's ambition: "Kensington Park really shows just how much is possible in an urban setting, with clever, considered design. It was a big extension on not very much land. Working within local council regulations, we really pushed the boundaries that, ultimately, gave our clients a wonderful result."
This project is not just a renovation; it's a renaissance of the bungalow spirit, harmonizing the demands of modern family life with the grace of historical architecture. It's a blueprint for turning constraints into creative catalysts—a philosophy that Pendulum Magazine celebrates in every story of innovation and inspiration.
A large skylight draws in natural light to the workspace lining the wall.