Glenmorgan House by Bryant Alsop

In Melbourne’s Brunswick East, Bryant Alsop breathes new life into a dark and dated Californian bungalow via a central courtyard and light-filled rear extension.

In a leafy streetscape in Melbourne’s Brunswick East, this Californian bungalow looked perfectly presentable, its heritage facade largely intact. But inside, the home was dark and introspective, hardly conducive to how Australians like to live. “Beyond the facade, the single-use rooms lacked openness and light,” says Sarah Bryant, director at Bryant Alsop, which was charged with bringing the home firmly into the 21st century. “Additionally, the property is positioned on a south-facing block, providing a challenge for capturing coveted natural light in the interior.”

“Adopting a courtyard house typology not only maximised light but also enhanced the flow of light and air throughout the home.”

The transformation process was three-fold: reconfiguring the existing structure to facilitate modern living, reorienting the home to the north and building new living spaces along the rear boundary. “By extending the property to the rear, we not only achieved a northern aspect but also created a focal central courtyard and a smaller decked area for entertaining, offering outdoor spaces accessible from both the original section of the house and the extension,” says Bryant. “Adopting a courtyard house typology maximised light and enhanced the flow of light and air throughout the home.”

Much of the existing house was gutted, bar the two front bedrooms, whose existing footprint remained unchanged. The original living room, kitchen and bathroom were completely reconfigured and a lean-to was demolished to allow for the alterations and additions. This redo honours the home’s heritage features while creating contemporary spaces including an elegant master bedroom with ensuite and walk-in robe, two other bedrooms and a bathroom. “Blending existing heritage details with contemporary style has created a seamless and harmonious balance between the old and the new.”

“The openable, full-height glazed ‘walls’ of the breezeway ensure that precious light and scenic views permeate every corner of the home.”

The lofty extension houses an expansive kitchen-dining-living area, butler’s pantry, laundry and an additional living space that could be adapted into a study or fourth bedroom. Flexibility was a key element of the client’s brief, along with wanting the house to be on a single level to both minimise costs and maximise ceiling heights. A light-filled breezeway connects the existing house and the extension, flooding the residence with natural light, views and greenery. “The openable, full-height glazed ‘walls’ of the breezeway ensure that precious light and scenic views permeate every corner of the home, enveloping the living area in northern sun and captivating courtyard garden views,” says Bryant.

Bryant Alsop opted for a largely neutral earthy palette, with extensive swathes of timber imbuing the spaces with warmth and a sense of cocooning comfort. “The neutral palette, rich in texture, creates visual interest without being alienating, while the combination of materials and colours helps blend the home’s heritage character with modern design elements to create what I think is a very welcoming space. The galley kitchen features pale stone and a subtle curved bench, enhancing both aesthetics and space efficiency.”

Architecture by Bryant Alsop. Interior design by R&Co. Design Studio. Landscape design by Chlorophilia. Windows by Aspect Windows.