Interpreted Through a Contemporary Lens – Malvern East House by Wellard Architects

Referencing the legacy of the original 1920s California bungalow, Malvern East House speaks to a connected past and present. Through layered elements, Wellard Architects creates visual, textural and spatial links between inside and out.

After having occupied the home for years prior to the renovation and new works, the clients of Malvern East House were able to navigate the site’s opportunities and constraints to finely tune their brief. Through a combination of retaining key features of the existing and extensive adaptation of the previous planning and spatial arrangements, new combined open active and communal spaces were created. Referencing the style of the original, elements of the 1920s Californian bungalow style can be seen throughout. Most notable is the reference to the masonry colonnade and the introduction of this element to the rear of the home as a connecting edifice between the internal and external rooms.

A clear and deliberate connection between the built and living elements can be seen through the large opening to the rear, encouraging cross-pollination of functionality and various vistas dotted throughout. Interpreted through a revised twenty-first century contemporary residential lens, existing walls were removed, and the living spaces opened up. Movement and fluidity were key for the clients, and the reworking of the existing bungalow features was focused around this central theme.

Referencing the style of the original, elements of the 1920s Californian bungalow style can be seen throughout.

Built by Blue Rock Construct, pool by 5 Forty Constructions and styling by Bek Sheppard, Malvern East House sees the utilisation of references to period features combined with a modern approach. The bedrooms, for example, are given a contemporary interpretation of traditional timber panelling, adding a sense of depth and texture to the space. The palette of blackbutt timber, cement, black steel and grey stone is intentionally clean and streamlined, complemented by an abundance of natural light. Meanwhile, inspiration is taken from the clients’ passion for French art and expanding collection with priority given to display opportunities throughout the home.

A clear and deliberate connection between the built and living elements can be seen through the large opening to the rear, encouraging cross-pollination of functionality and various vistas dotted throughout.

Wellard Architects has brought together the individuality of its occupants, their personalities and personal stories in a manner that gives way for continued growth and new experiences. Malvern East House pays an important homage to the storied one-hundred-year history of the original, respectfully celebrating its details and period features, and looks expectantly toward a future.

Malvern East House pays an important homage to the storied one-hundred-year history of the original, respectfully celebrating its details and period features, and looks expectantly toward a future.