Oswald Street Californian Bungalow
When I first met the clients, they opened with, “We want to get rid of the old house and build new.” I politely replied, “I can’t bare to see this house go, I might not be the right architect for you.”
Far from a deal-breaker, this honest start sparked their curiosity. I was one of five architects interviewed and the only one who resisted demolishing the home. I explained that it was rare to find a house like this - virtually untouched in 90 years. It was tired, yes, with peeling wallpaper and floral carpets, but behind the overgrown garden and dated interiors were beautiful bones and original details waiting to be loved and admired again.
They later told me they chose me because "I was the only architect who truly listened", and they “loved the passion I had shown for the original house”
The Approach:
While the original home informed and influenced the design of the new addition, the extension stands confidently as a contemporary element - clearly distinct from the old, and taking full advantage of modern design and construction technologies.
I like to zone homes into quiet (bedroom) and active (living) areas. This separation allows better energy efficiency, heating or cooling only half the home as needed.
Originally just two bedrooms, we reworked the existing floor plan:
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The formal lounge and dining became a master suite
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The old kitchen became a fourth bedroom
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The original bathroom/laundry became the kids’ bathroom, positioned near their bedrooms - no long towel-clad treks down the hall
The clients also wanted a clean, durable interior - able to withstand toy traffic and everyday family life.
The Challenge:
A typical Melbourne suburban block, but the period home sat deep on the site, limiting our available space. I encouraged a single-storey addition, so the original home remained the hero from the street, with the new addition a mystery until you walked inside. With thoughtful planning, we could meet all their needs without going up.
The Brief:
With three young kids, the clients wanted:
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A separate playroom, to keep toys out of the main living areas.
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A pool visible from all the living spaces, to keep an eye on the kids.
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A shaded outdoor area for supervision of the pool without roasting in the sun.
