There are few architectural styles in Australia that are more prolific than the Californian bungalow which rose in popularity in the early 1900s. Since then, as our lifestyles have changed, many of them have had lean-tos and extensions added onto the homes, resulting in a strange mismatch of architectural styles and floorplans.
In Melbourne, one family enlisted the help of Brave New Eco to give an eco-friendly renovation to their bungalow with the aim of improving natural light and creating better indoor and outdoor spaces, while maintaining the distinctive look of its original build.
“It lacked natural light, felt closed in, cost a fortune to heat, and the family had to walk through a labyrinth of rooms to get outside,” says Megan Norgate, director and interior designer of Brave New Eco of the home.
One of the key principles that guides Megan’s work is ensuring that her designs are sustainable, with “minimum change for maximum benefit” being Brave New Eco’s main ethos. As such, her approach to the extension involved a reconfiguration of spaces, a focus on using organic materials, and upcycling where possible.
Family hub Homeowners Phil and Bec both work in construction with Phil working as an innovation manager and Bec as a sustainability engineer. In the renovation of their home their focus was on allowing natural light to permeate throughout the house, as well as reconfiguring the floorplan to create better indoor and outdoor zones for their two young daughters to play in. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
What’s cooking? A range of different textures sing in this timber kitchen space with glossy amber subway tiles forming the splashback. Blue cabinetry features timber handles that echo the rest of the space and white benchtops echo the light flooring. The soft curve of the kitchen island adds an organic shape, and is clad in recycled messmate timber battens. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Dining zone A generous timber dining table is paired with leather and timber dining chairs in the kitchen and dining space. A trio of pendant lights hangs over the kitchen island and terrazzo flooring runs throughout the kitchen. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Sunlight Timber-framed glass doors and windows allow ample sunlight to enter the kitchen, adding warmth to the space. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Woodwork The terrazzo flooring is restricted to the kitchen and dining space, with timber flooring throughout the rest of the home. A timber sideboard here plays host to ample indoor plants. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Details Fluted glass allows for privacy without the obstruction of light in indoor doors. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
In-built bench An inbuilt window seat creates the perfect reading nook. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Simple palette The overall palette in the home involves a range of rich textures and materials playing off of eachother. In this living room, a thick and fluffy pile rug contrasts with the timber side and coffee tables, while matching the soft drape of pale curtains and blinds. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Lounge about Upholstered sofas add textural depth to the living room. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Fishscale Handmade fish scale tiles become a key feature in this bathroom with a generous window becoming the highlight. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
Material zone A timber vanity pairs well with white subway tiles and a small feature section of fish scale tiles. Project: Brave New Eco | Build: Geometrica | Photography by Emma Byrnes.
