Shining light
A California bungalow keeps its traditional character, but
gains a contemporary addition, lots of natural light
and plenty of space for all the family
Above: Built in 1928, this California
bungalow retains its traditional
charm, despite an extensive
renovation that has more than
tripled the size of the house. Original
features include the leadlight
windows, front door, porch and
roofing tiles. The renovation was
designed by one of the owners,
Angie Florence of Space For Life,
with Michael Mu of M2 Building
De sign & Drafting.
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The truth will out – that could
well be the new mantra for a
renovation.
It’s all about architectural
honesty. The new is seldom
disguised as old, and the old
is appreciated for its traditional character. In fact, so
strong is this belief that even
local government regulations
are stipulating clear divisions
between traditional structures
and contemporary additions in
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areas where there is a heritage
overlay or protection.
Designer Angie Florence of
Space For Life says an addition
planned for her own family’s 1928 California bungalow
needed to be a stark contrast to
the original house.
“Not only did it need to
read as a modern addition,
it also had to be hidden from
the street,” she says. “We were
able to have just a very small
part of the top of the structure
visible above the roof of the
house, but it’s a subtle element
that is not too noticeable.”
Florence says the house
retains its traditional street
appeal – even the original tiles
remain on the roof. The existing
leadlight windows, including
those in the front door and
sidelight were restored, and
the high ceilings were retained
right through the house.