Redbrick and terracotta-tiled Californian Bungalows are beautiful homes, but they can be dark. Here's a bright solution...
Garden House, a renovation designed by Maike Design is a light-filled pavilion for living spilling into the garden, while the darkness and solidity of the original home is put to better use for bedrooms, bathrooms and a private lounge. Two bedrooms cleverly open onto a deck and out into the garden, perfect for the family's two daughters.
Old and new are separated via a glazed link. You step down into the new living space, via the link which helps to maintain the integrity of the original home, while also providing easy access between the two.
The new addition takes advantage of natural light by hugging the southern boundary and opening up to the garden to the north. Within the new pavilion is a study perfect for working from home and an open-plan kitchen, living and dining space. Constructed out of brick, the new pavilion has a connection to the original home, but is differentiated in colour. "The restrained palette is a backdrop to the lives of the client and the beautiful plants inside and outside the building", explains the designer.
The entire width of the new living space opens onto a terrace thanks to large sliding glass doors, helping the home to feel like it's part of the garden.
The subtle use of texture and the warmth of timber enlivens the interior while also offering a sense of calm. The play of light throughout the day provides an ever-changing depth. As the designer explains, "while the building is visually calm and simple, careful use of spatial volume, natural light, materiality, and beautiful craftsmanship provide a tactile and engaging home."
"This design is quiet, restrained and responds to the needs of our clients. It envelops the rituals of their lives and has prompted new ones, such as the girls spending summer evenings together on their back deck." - Maike Design
The darkness and sense of protection offered by the original Californian Bungalow are celebrated, while the new addition creates the opportunity for sun, breezes and effortless enjoyment of the garden. Now this family have the best of both worlds.
- Designed by Maike Design
- Photos by Tess Kelly
- Styling by Beck Simon