Bonnet House

The Brief

To rework a 1920’s bungalow with a sensitive addition that supports the busy lives of a young family through thoughtful design and connection to outdoor living.

The Result

In response to its conservation streetscape the addition embraces a rectilinear form, achieving a stealthy architectural presence almost invisible from the street.

A series of poorly proportioned lean-tos are skilfully replaced with a modestly scaled contemporary addition that relies on good planning to feel expansive and generous. Combining crisp white weatherboard cladding and rough-cast render in ‘banksia leaf’ green, the addition’s detail offers a nod to the crafted character of the original home using contemporary forms and materials – harmonising with the surrounding tree canopies.

A new glazed link connects the home’s old and new volumes, bringing garden, light and natural breezes into the ground floor kitchen, living and dining spaces. Operable glazing opens the interior laterally to the landscape, creating an open family space for gathering and entertaining. Frameless glazing creates a direct link between the pool and living area—a playful scene that evolves throughout the day and night.

The Feeling

A blurred distinction between inside and out. Connected throughout to landscape, light and natural breezes, Bonnet House instils a feeling of generosity and understated luxury—an uplifting home that the family love to spend time in.