Stickybeak of the Week: A Glass Bridge Connects Old and New
Traditional and contemporary designs are pushed to the limit in this house, giving its owners the best of both worlds
Having lived in their quaint California bungalow for many years and developed strong family connections with the area, the owners of this property were eager to turn their home into an empty-nester’s dream once (nearly) all of their children had moved out. Despite its solid structure and wonderful period features, the cosy brick house remained stuck in the past, with a tiny kitchen and a living room disconnected from the surrounding landscape.
The couple had big dreams for creating an exciting sanctuary where they could live forever, so they searched for an architectural practice that would push the boundaries of contemporary design, yet retain the beauty of the heritage architecture. Danny Broe, of Danny Broe Architect, was asked to come on board and deliver their vision. “As well as an open kitchen, dining and living space, the couple’s wish list included a large ‘train’ room for Henry’s state-of-the-art train set, so we knew from the start this was going to be an unconventional renovation,” says Broe.
The couple had big dreams for creating an exciting sanctuary where they could live forever, so they searched for an architectural practice that would push the boundaries of contemporary design, yet retain the beauty of the heritage architecture. Danny Broe, of Danny Broe Architect, was asked to come on board and deliver their vision. “As well as an open kitchen, dining and living space, the couple’s wish list included a large ‘train’ room for Henry’s state-of-the-art train set, so we knew from the start this was going to be an unconventional renovation,” says Broe.
The white cube-like addition at the rear strikes a bold, sculptural tone, yet is covered with sustainable timber cladding to tie in with neighbouring period styles. The site sits on a slight slope from front to rear, which allowed the new extension to have a split-level arrangement.
The floor level drops to the garden level, creating the connection to the outside. Meanwhile, ascending a half flight of stairs takes you to the train room that floats above. “To add to the sculptural nature of the addition, the outdoor terrace is carved out of the extension and is a recessive space instead of an add-on,” says Broe.
The floor level drops to the garden level, creating the connection to the outside. Meanwhile, ascending a half flight of stairs takes you to the train room that floats above. “To add to the sculptural nature of the addition, the outdoor terrace is carved out of the extension and is a recessive space instead of an add-on,” says Broe.
The monochrome exterior palette was made possible by the state-run Complying Development Certificate fast-track approval. “The design and approval process went very smoothly, allowing us and the client to choose the colours we wanted, rather than adhering to council-preferred earthy tones,” says Broe.
The builder, Shore Build, then refined an awning detail and created a 5-millimetre-thick aluminium awning over the west-facing windows, enhancing the sleek contemporary appearance of the white cube extension.
The builder, Shore Build, then refined an awning detail and created a 5-millimetre-thick aluminium awning over the west-facing windows, enhancing the sleek contemporary appearance of the white cube extension.
The California bungalow was built in the 1940s and originally had three bedrooms, a poky reception room, small kitchen and a ‘60s-style sunroom. The older part of the home was lovingly restored, and now includes a piano room and study for the woman of the house, with sliding doors between them.
A double-height void and large aluminium windows create a sense of space and light in the new extension. “We love void spaces and the void over the living room is one of the best,” says Broe. “The contrast of the low spaces against the open areas creates both intimacy and drama, and evokes a sense of spatial dynamism. The space itself becomes a sculptural element of the house.”
Large sliding doors give a wonderful view of the enclosed terrace from the dining zone, while a pendant light hangs from a lower part of the ceiling to illuminate the entertaining spot.
The floor is polished concrete with a burnished finish, resulting in a soft grey look.
The floor is polished concrete with a burnished finish, resulting in a soft grey look.
The seating area is defined by a tactile rug and is deliberately pared-back in style, allowing the drama to unfold through the architecture.
One such area of drama is the colossal sandstone wall that engulfs the double-height stair void, injecting texture, warmth and interest. “The sandstone was hand-cut on site, recycling the foundations of the demolished part of the house, and adding another connection between the old the new,” says Broe.
The kitchen is adjacent to the dining and living areas. Here, timber veneer is teamed with a Piatra Grey Caesarstone benchtop to complement the grey concrete floor and buttery stone wall. A peninsular unit offers a generous work surface for serving and entertaining in the social living space, yet ensures the cooking zone is clearly marked out by the U-shaped layout.
Appliances: Miele; tap: Franke; range hood: Qasair
Appliances: Miele; tap: Franke; range hood: Qasair
One of the biggest challenges for the build team was the innovative and structurally adventurous staircase. “There are very few vertical supports to the handrail as it zigzags up and down. It’s almost like a musical instrument,” says Broe. “The stainless-steel wires are in tension and, as a result, put a lot of pressure on the structure. We had to work closely with the engineer, builder, steel fabricator and code certifier to achieve an edgy but safe structure.”
A masterful result was also achieved at the foot of the stairs where the lower treads are off-form concrete, creating a sculptural finish in themselves.
A masterful result was also achieved at the foot of the stairs where the lower treads are off-form concrete, creating a sculptural finish in themselves.
Continue up the staircase and you cross the ‘glass bridge’ that leads into the old part of the living space. Part of the original red brick exterior is now incorporated within the new extension, further fuelling the old and new connections and adding to the raw textures found throughout the new interior.
Cross the glass bridge connector and enter the old part of the house, where the piano room and study sit, separated by sliding doors. All the original features in the old house were renovated where possible, including the timber floor.
The rustic sandstone wall was also introduced into the new bathroom to create a textured contrast against the dark, sultry porcelain tiles, while the slimline shower screen adds a sleek, contemporary note.
Tiles: Bisanna Tiles
Tiles: Bisanna Tiles
When asked what he is most proud of about this project, Broe answers, “The feeling of space created by the void areas is truly sensational and exciting. But we’re also thrilled with the contrast between traditional and contemporary, and the pure nature of each component.”
The floor plan.
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More
Love having a quick look into other people’s homes? Check out last week’s Stickybeak of the Week: A Single-Storey Bungalow Raises the Roof
Tell us
What do you love about this home? Tell us in the Comments below. And don’t forget to save your favourite images, save the story, and join in the conversation.
More
Love having a quick look into other people’s homes? Check out last week’s Stickybeak of the Week: A Single-Storey Bungalow Raises the Roof
Who lives here: A train engineer, his wife – a designer – and one of their four children
Location: North Epping, NSW
Size: 229 square metres; 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
Architect: Danny Broe Architect
Builder: Shore Build
From the outset, the couple was open-minded and shared the architect’s vision of adding a contemporary addition at the back of the house, rather than mimicking the 1940s construction of their bungalow. “We took this opportunity to do something exciting but also practical, so we separated the old house and new addition with a space and connected them with a glass bridge. The approach was to push the style of each part to its extreme,” says Broe.