Throughout the last 15 years, Melbourne-based firm Splinter Society has tackled a number of bungalow renovations. Bungalow 8 is their latest. "Bun­ga­lows make great fam­i­ly homes, and this mod­est ren­o­va­tion, designed to cel­e­brate the sim­ple joys of sub­ur­ban fam­i­ly life, is no dif­fer­ent," explain the architects.



For the remodel, the team focused on sustainability, affordability, and comfort. Another main goal was to create "a more modern, free-flowing series of connected living spaces," all while retaining "as much of the existing layout as possible," say the architects.



To accommodate these aims, the team expanded the home by using the bedrooms as a datum. As they note, "the new addition cuts along the site, creating a distinct triangle in plan to reorient primary spaces to the north." Driven by sustainable principles, the angle works to contribute to passive heating and cooling, while also creating a unique juncture between interior and exterior. The simple roofline acts as a guide for the new arrangement of spaces.



In addition to being affordable, sustainable, and robust, the materials used were chosen to create a natural sense of warmth. While at times the architects relied heavily on stone and concrete, the team implemented a generous amount of timber inside and out, blending in subtle detailing borrowed from traditional Japanese vernacular.

"The design embraces complete functionality and practicality for the family," says the firm. For example, a central timber joinery element connects the kitchen/dining spaces, while also offering significant storage. The flexible interior spaces offer constant connection to the landscaped gardens, which have been designed with ample outdoor space for children to play.



"A place for enjoy­ing the sim­ple plea­sures of domes­tic archi­tec­ture," say the architects, "Bun­ga­low 8 is char­ac­terized by qual­i­ty spaces that are well con­nect­ed to nat­ur­al light, and its exte­ri­or gar­den. It’s also well zoned for fam­i­ly inter­ac­tion, whilst respond­ing to a broad­er sense of respon­si­bil­i­ty to the environment."

Bungalow 8 Floor Plan