In most hands, this dilapidated 1920s bungalow would have been promptly bowled to make way for a modern home. Instead, a substantial renovation and retrofit is underway.
A 1920s Californian bungalow has been lovingly restored and transformed into a beautiful, high-performance family home, designed to thrive for another hundred years.
In most hands, this dilapidated 1920s Californian bungalow in Melbourne's bayside suburb of Hampton might have been demolished to make way for a new home. Instead, our clients saw an opportunity to celebrate its history while reimagining what a suburban family home could become.
Their ambitious vision was to create a home that would not only support the health and wellbeing of their family, but also contribute positively to the natural environment and inspire others to rethink the potential of existing homes.
The original bungalow has been transformed through a substantial renovation and Passivhaus retrofit, sensitively connecting its heritage character with a contemporary two-storey extension. Biophilic design principles create meaningful connections between old and new, indoors and outdoors, and people and nature.
Designed to meet the rigorous Passivhaus Plus standard, the home incorporates exceptional insulation, airtight construction, high-performance glazing and continuous filtered fresh air. The result is outstanding thermal comfort, excellent indoor air quality and a peaceful interior, with minimal energy required for heating and cooling. Final Passivhaus certification review is underway.
The all-electric home also generates its own renewable energy, with the family already reporting that their solar system produces more electricity than they need each day.
Now happily settled into their new home, the owners are experiencing the benefits firsthand. They particularly love the consistent comfort, fresh air, quiet spaces, natural light, garden views and the beautifully preserved heritage features that give the home its character.
Beyond the building itself, the project embraces a broader regenerative vision. Thoughtful material reuse and construction waste management have helped reduce its environmental impact, while landscape and ecological design aim to restore biodiversity and create habitat for birds, insects and other local species.
Importantly, this home is designed for a changing climate - prioritising energy efficiency, resilience and the long-term health of both its occupants and the surrounding ecosystem.
One hundred years of history, thoughtfully renewed for the next hundred years.
The project was previously known as Biophilic Bungalow. To learn more about the homeowners' journey, visit The Hundred Year Bungalow.
