Fitzroy North is known for its charming mix of period homes and edgy, inner-city vibes—but let’s be honest, Californian bungalows aren’t exactly known for their flexibility. So when Alexandra Buchanan Architecture were asked to extend one sitting proudly on a corner laneway site, they didn’t just stick a box on the back and call it a day. Oh no. They gave it a sculptural zinc-wrapped makeover that turns heads and turns its back—strategically—on less-than-lovely neighbours. Welcome to your new laneway obsession.
Sitting on Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country, this project is all about making the most of its prime Fitzroy North location without sacrificing privacy or style. The original bungalow had a sweet cascade of gables, and rather than ignore it, the new extension riffs on it like a jazz solo—folding zinc roofs that cascade around the site, hugging the laneway and giving a confident wink to the neighbouring townhouses. The result is a home that feels considered from every angle, including the usually-forgotten back fence.
Hugging the site boundary wasn’t just a flex—it was a clever move to open up the centre of the block for something a little juicier: a north-facing pool courtyard. Tucked away from the prying eyes of nearby apartments, this private enclave becomes the true heart of the home. It’s a lush green sanctuary that manages to feel both secluded and expansive, wrapping the interiors with views of garden and sky.
Inside, things get even more delightful. Double-height volumes, unexpected material pairings, and sunlight that practically dances through the space year-round. This isn’t your nana’s bungalow anymore. It’s bright, it’s breezy, and it’s seriously liveable. Cross-ventilation is baked into the design—meaning even in the heat of summer, you won’t be sweating it out (unless you're poolside, in which case, pass the Aperol).
And let’s talk about the vibe for a sec: It’s not showy. It’s not sterile. It’s a home that’s got soul and knows how to host a good dinner party. The zinc cladding outside gives it a sense of urban edge, while the interiors soften and open, leaning into comfort without compromising on design cred. There's a material tension at play—robust and refined, elegant but unpretentious. In short, it feels like Fitzroy North.
The whole thing wraps up at 340 square metres over two levels—generous, but not excessive. It’s a house that understands its place in the world and makes the most of every bit of it. Alexandra Buchanan and her team have taken a tricky brief—a period home on a tight corner block, with nosy neighbours—and spun it into something beautifully private, gorgeously lit, and deeply grounded in place.
It’s a reminder that good design isn’t just about looking nice. It’s about making life better, smarter, and more joyful. And if it happens to stop traffic in the laneway while you’re at it? Well, that’s just a bonus.
