Energised Lineage – Bungalow N by Matt Goodman Architecture Office and CJH Studio
Elements from both past and present are featured throughout Bungalow N, imbuing the home with a sense of personality and character that is reminiscent of its occupants. Matt Goodman Architecture Office and CJH Studio work to heighten the craft of the original residence through a respectful and detailed lens.
Nestled among other heritage homes of similar generosity and scale in Caulfield North, an inner suburb of Melbourne, Bungalow N remains a significant contribution to its streetscape. The durable nature of the Californian, bungalow-style abode allows for a smooth introduction of the new addition and for the seamless reimagining of the existing form. The home is inspired by the grandeur of the current build and sets the scene for a resolved and highly detailed dwelling. A sense of immersion is established early on as one moves through muted spaces that complement the exterior.
Throughout the residence, a dynamic interplay of original and contemporary insertions creates a sense of balance. Marking the transition between old and new is a stone-clad threshold, reminding both occupants and guests of the passing of time. The overall plan of the residence has been recalibrated, with the kitchen, living and dining spaces uniting at the rear and forming the new heart of the home. A place to gather and connect, the kitchen features a striking stone island that signals the moment of arrival into such a thriving part of the house. The linear nature of the integrated joinery also ensures the detail in the stone cladding remains the focal point within the space.
Opening up to the landscape and private rear garden, extensive glazing blurs the threshold between inside and out. A colonnade-style terrace features arched openings in the outer masonry wall, which provides additional shelter for the newly expanded space. In blending aesthetics with functionality, a sense of timelessness is felt throughout the home, captured by the combination of bespoke materials and finishes. Transitions between realms allow one to flow effortlessly from one room to the other; from dark and moody spaces to those bathed in natural light, each area captures a unique personal charm whilst offering moments of reprieve.
Through a holistic and encompassing approach, Matt Goodman Architecture Office and CJH Studio celebrate the past of Bungalow N whilst introducing contemporary elements that will allow it to embrace the present. The resulting home, in all its classical proportions, evokes a feeling of calm and tranquillity well suited for family living.
