Extending the Heritage Narrative – California Bungalow by Bone Made

Taking inspiration from the original architectural language of its heritage past, California Bungalow blends the old with the new, though the original principles are reinterpreted with a contemporary focus. Bone Made combines a structured, clean approach with crafted and refined detailing.

Located in the inner west of Sydney, California Bungalow sits within the eclectic streetscape of Concord and is the home to its young family of six. As both a renovation and extension, the existing home is given a fresh start through the reinstatement of original details and areas needing repair. The internal volumes are then opened up through the contemporary addition that funnels the occupants into a series of communal and purpose-built spaces that reflect the modern residential condition. Working within heritage guidelines for the existing portion of the home, the approach was one where the past is celebrated and expressed, with the new intended to sit comfortably alongside it. Bone Made combines a respectful approach with a curious understanding of uniting eras through space. Materiality and detail then become key elements that tie all of the elements into one, ensuring a cohesive resolve.

Built by Mirage Developments with joinery by U-Neek Interior Solutions, California Bungalow is inspired by the home’s original style.

Built by Mirage Developments and with joinery by U-Neek Interior Solutions, California Bungalow is inspired by the home’s original style. Known as a smaller, more humble home or cottage, the California bungalow style was influenced originally by the previous style, the American craftsman. Both styles are usually balanced through the dual frontage and a central entry, after entering through the home’s solidly enclosed front terrace space. Typically, these were clad in either brick or timber, with some solid rendered or masonry elements, creating a weighted base to the home. In expressing this style, the team focused on the inclusion of carefully crafted elements to embed the touch of the handmade into the every day. Combining both a classic and contemporary approach, the extent of works sees a new entry and mud room, four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a rumpus room for the children and a shared and openly connected living, dining and kitchen space.

The use of herringbone timber flooring is a nod to the home’s crafted past, while also introducing a soft warmth to the new elements. Large full-height doors connect the interiors to the terrace and open up the alfresco space as an extension of the home. The focus on the external area as a gathering space of its own was also key. Within the new living, dining and kitchen volume, joinery elements allow for concealed storage and also act to support the amenity of the spaces. Integrated into the rattan and oak joinery is a gas fireplace to add warmth while also continuing clean contemporary lines. A soft and muted palette of light-coloured timber, lightly veined natural stone, textured tiles, rattan details and aged brass detailing set the tone for the home as a place for its occupants for many years to come.

A soft and muted palette of light-coloured timber, lightly veined natural stone, textured tiles, rattan details and aged brass detailing set the tone for the home.

California Bungalow is the extending of a previous relevance, restoring historical elements and bringing some of those philosophies into the new. Bone Made has beautifully added time to this home through subtleties and extending its narrative.

Bone Made have beautifully added time to this home through subtleties and extending its narrative.

The use of herringbone timber flooring is a nod to the home’s crafted past, while also introducing a soft warmth to the new elements.