“[Mountain Fold] has been great at listening to what we want (and don’t want), coming up with a design we’re happy with, and helping us with our discussions with our local planning department, builders and suppliers.” – Client
This thoughtful remodelling transforms a 1980s brick and concrete tile dormer bungalow to support a family’s evolving needs. The clients sought both open-plan contemporary living and flexible spaces that could adapt as their children mature, requiring surgical intervention rather than wholesale reconstruction.
The ground floor reconfiguration opens the existing living room into a new kitchen and dining area, creating the social heart every growing family needs. Elsewhere, spaces have been reimagined to provide a snug/play room, office, and laundry areas – each addressing specific daily rhythms while maintaining the home’s comfortable scale.
The upper level expansion adds practical bedroom space and an additional bathroom, ensuring sufficient accommodation for children and visiting family. These additions integrate seamlessly with the existing structure through careful massing that respects the original building’s proportions.
The architectural strategy employs strategic addition and material renewal. A new bay replicates the existing form while extending the house sideways, maintaining neighbourhood harmony. The enlarged front bedroom sits above a welcoming new porch and existing garage, creating arrival drama without overwhelming the street.
Environmental responsibility guided construction methodology. The new elements employ timber frame construction rather than traditional masonry, significantly reducing the scheme’s embodied energy while delivering faster, more precise assembly. This approach aligns renovation work with contemporary sustainability standards.
The material transformation elevates the entire composition. Replacing the existing brown concrete tile cladding with Siberian Larch, the renovation introduces natural warmth that will age gracefully to a silver-grey patina. This timber treatment fully embraces the new porch and front bedroom, creating a cohesive entrance sequence that announces the home’s transformation.
Construction concluded in early 2022, delivering a home that honours its 1980s origins while serving contemporary family life with reduced environmental impact.
