Project Title: Bungalow 07 – Character Home Transformation
Project Type: Full Home Renovation and Rear Addition
Location: Henley Beach
Project Size: 255sqm
Materials: Bagged Brick, Polished Concrete
Overview: Behind its original 1920s façade, this character bungalow has been thoughtfully reimagined to support a more open and connected way of living. The design carefully balances the retention of the home’s heritage presence with a contemporary rear addition that introduces light, functionality and a clear sense of flow throughout the living spaces.
The transformation of this home begins with a reworking of its internal layout, shifting from a series of enclosed, traditional rooms to a more functional and connected arrangement. A key move involved repurposing one of the original bedrooms to form a private master suite. Through carefully introduced openings, an adjoining room now accommodates a walk-in robe, with a portion of the existing room retained to create a natural division for the ensuite. A skylight has been introduced to bring natural light into this otherwise internalised space.
A significant structural change involved the removal of an internal load-bearing wall, opening up the central passage and creating a clearer, uninterrupted connection through to the main living area. This intervention has fundamentally changed the way the home is experienced, allowing movement through the space to feel natural and cohesive.
To achieve continuity, the original concrete flooring was retained and polished, with new slab areas integrated to create a consistent surface across both existing and new spaces.
Throughout the original footprint, fireplaces were removed to improve functionality and allow for more practical storage and wardrobing solutions. The home has transitioned from a three-bedroom layout to a more intentional configuration of two bedrooms, complemented by a compact study formed from the original kitchen.
The original bathroom and laundry were reconfigured to form a dedicated laundry with full-height storage on both sides, improving usability without increasing the footprint. In contrast, the main bathroom has been designed to feel open and well-ventilated, with natural light and mechanical window operation supporting both comfort and practicality.
Decorative tiles introduce a point of contrast, reflecting the homeowner’s individual preferences, while one-off stone-look feature lighting adds a refined layer of detail.
At the rear, the home opens into a contemporary living zone anchored by a well-appointed kitchen. Defined by a large island bench, stainless steel appliances and a contrasting white sink, the kitchen acts as the focal point of the open-plan space. Custom joinery in a warm oak finish has been carried throughout, creating a cohesive material palette, while handmade glass-blown pendant lighting to the kitchen and gallery introduces a subtle crafted element.
Additional space has been achieved by extending the home to the boundary, allowing for a recessed area that accommodates the television and fireplace without interrupting the overall flow of the room. From here, the living area connects directly to a modest alfresco and landscaped garden, reinforcing the relationship between indoor and outdoor living.
The result is a home that respects its origins while offering a significantly improved living experience — one that supports both everyday routines and the way the owners gather, connect and spend time together. A refined update that reflects a broader approach to redefining Adelaide’s character homes for modern living.