Modern extensions to bungalows: 26 house extensions – best house extension ideas for any budget

A Charming California Bungalow Extension In Sydney

There were three semi-detached California bungalows for sale on this quiet street in Sydney’s north when interior designer Krista Collard and her husband Ben were searching for a family home in 2015. They all had their charms, but it was this one – the one not professionally styled or staged – that immediately caught Krista’s eye.

“It was unassuming from the front, but the rear of the house, where the kitchen, dining and living area were located, had the most incredible north-easterly light,” she says. “The house was well built in solid brick and had a beautiful outdoor area. With just two bedrooms and one bathroom, it was too small for our future needs, but I could see that with some work it had the potential to be a great family home. I was sketching out plans in my mind before we’d even finished the walk-through.”

The ‘artwork’ (this page) is Samsung’s Frame TV. Antique milking stool, Tweedeleven. Travertine rug in Buff, Warwick Fabrics. Visual Comfort ‘Clemente’ wall sconce, Bloomingdales Lighting.”This house passed the ultimate test – all of us being here for months on end during lockdown – with flying colours!” says the homeowner, interior designer Krista Collard. Juno ‘Josephine’ sofa and Ethnicraft ‘Bok’ dining table, both Globe West. Tanner coffee table, West Elm. The Walking Table side table, handmade in Ghana by Tekura. Panda Ball sphere cushion, HSR Concept. Replica Serge Mouille pendant light, Temple & Webster. Steel-framed doors, Steel Door. Replica Pierre Jeanneret dining chairs. Preference Floors ‘Chevron Cannes’ engineered-European oak flooring, SE Timber (throughout).

Krista, Ben and Ben’s children – Toby and Macy – lived in the house as it was for the next few years, installing a pool out the back and updating the bathroom in 2018. By 2020, with the children fast outgrowing their shared bedroom and the too-small kitchen seriously beginning to grate, the couple decided it was high time for an extensive renovation.

The plan was to add a second storey that would accommodate three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a work-from-home space for Ben and a retreat for the children. Downstairs, the bathroom and existing bedrooms would be retained, with one of the bedrooms converted into an expansive home office/second living area, and the children’s bunkroom to be used as a guestroom.

As for the remainder of the original part of the house, that would be gutted to make way for a spacious new kitchen, butler’s pantry and laundry, along with a living and dining area that open onto a cosy entertaining deck complete with outdoor fireplace and built-in barbecue.

The painting to the right of the fireplace is a specially commissioned piece of activist and author Angela Davis by UK artist Charlotte Dyce. Fireplace and joinery designed by Krista. Ethanol fireplace, EcoSmart Fire. Chimney breast clad in Neolith ‘Calacatta Luxe’, Marable. Antique mirror. Aerin ‘Mayotte’ floor lamp, Bloomingdales Lighting. Photographs on shelves of Krista’s grandparents. Custom desk by Ducker Constructions. Made in Ratio ‘Alpha’ stackable walnut chair, 1stDibs.

While a contemporary box out the back is the norm for California bungalow extensions, that wasn’t the direction Krista and Ben chose to follow. “We really wanted to bring the charm of the original house into the addition,” she says. “At the same time, we wanted it to have the feel of a luxe hotel suite, with beautiful and timeless finishes – and a mix of open and airy spaces where we could connect as well as private little spaces to escape for ‘me time’. I’d call it a ‘vacation every day’ vibe.”

Custom vanity painted Dulux Oolong. Calacatta Viola Antica marble benchtop and splashbacks, Marable. Armac Martin ‘Bakes’ knobs, The English Tapware Company. Icon+ tapware, Astra Walker. Florence shield mirrors, West Elm. Blueprint Lighting ‘Petite Magari’ wall lamps, 1stDibs.Amiata bath, Victoria+Albert. Bath caddy, Bed Bath N’ Table. Arcus Snow blind, Blinds Online by Tuiss. Vintage artworks, Etsy.

Sustainability also mattered. “We were prepared to spend on quality finishes that would last,” says Krista. “If we ever sell, we’d hope that whoever has it next won’t feel they have to remove everything and start over.”

To meet the brief she’d set for herself, Krista specified wainscoting on the walls, decorative cornices and oak chevron floor in the new addition that speak to the history of the house. In the kitchen – very much the heart of the home for this family of passionate cooks – a richly veined marble splashback and benchtops, brass fixtures and rich, blue-black joinery feel warm, inviting and luxurious.

Calacatta Borghini Extra marble benchtops and splashback, Marable. MDF joinery in Dulux Oolong. Berlin handles and knobs, Bankston. Icon+ tapware in Urban Brass, Astra Walker. Replica Serge Mouille pendant light, Temple & Webster. Steel-framed doors, Steel Door. Ilve cooker and rangehood. Ethnicraft ‘Bok’ dining table, Globe West, with replica Pierre Jeanneret dining chairs. Wooden boards, Wheel & Barrow (rear) and West Elm.Neolith Calacatta Luxe sintered-stone benchtop, Marable. Brooke subway tiles in Taupe, Tiles by Kate. Shelving in Ravine Natural Oak, Polytec. HydroTap Arc Plus tap, Zip. Bread board, Pottery Barn.

Meanwhile, the home’s three bathrooms are elevated to the status of ultimate pampering zones, with a freestanding bathtub, marble-lined walls and art. “It was important to me to give the bathrooms personality and make them spaces where you can truly relax,” says Krista.

A stay at a boutique hotel in Barcelona in 2017 was the inspiration for the main bedroom. “It was light and open, yet managed to feel cosy and cocooning, with a fireplace and quirky custom light fixtures. I set out to recreate that with neutral colours, layers of fabrics, bold artworks and a Surrealism-inspired pendant.”

Custom bed designed by Krista and made by Bednest. Bedlinen, Sheridan. Throw, West Elm. Pendant light designed by Krista and made by Starlight Modern. Aerin ‘Keil’ wall lights, Bloomingdales Lighting. Chris Loves Julia x Loloi ‘Lagoon’ rug, Rugs Direct. Artworks by Sasa Natalya.Bodhi bench, Pottery Barn. Aria bedside table, Globe West.

When it came to the children’s bedrooms, Krista played it smart and took her cues from their hobbies and interests. “Toby is passionate about aeroplanes and surfing, and he gave the gorgeous grey wave wallpaper his instant stamp of approval,” she says. “Macy loves bright, vibrant colours and enjoys reading, so we kept her room light and fun, with a lovely built-in bench seat by the window where she can relax with a book. They’re thrilled to finally have their own rooms.”

And they’re not the only ones who are happy with the results of this renovation. “It’s a great all-seasons house,” says Krista. “In summer we can open up the doors, swim in the pool, get the barbecue going and sit outside by the fire – and in winter, we can light the fireplace inside, toast marshmallows and cosy up to watch a movie together. It has everything we need and more.”

Krista Collard Interiors, Chatswood, NSW; (02) 9188 7765 or kristacollarddesigns.com
Ducker Constructions, Warriewood, NSW; 0404 049 680

“We sit outside all year round,” says Krista. “We can open up the roof and skylights. Two are manual-open and the one closest to the barbecue is solar-powered.” Sonoma ‘Slat’ sofa, Marina occasional chairs and Element ‘Lotus’ side table, Globe West. Sienna coffee table, En Gold. Torryn rug and cushions, Pottery Barn. Composite-timber decking, Mod Wood. Outdoor fireplace designed by Krista with an Eco Smart Fire ethanol fireplace.

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Bungalow Conversions | Projects | Bluelime Home Design

42 Francis Avenue

Year: 2018 Cost: £150000

For our clients at 42 Francis Avenue, we designed a modern single-story rear extension, loft conversion, and general internal conversion to a quaint traditional terraced house on the outskirts of Bexleyheath. The additional space is used to extend both the living room and the living room at the back of the property. The internal reshuffle also allowed for the creation of a utility room and a staircase to the newly converted loft which houses a new bedroom.  Additionally, the ground floor toilet was also given a modern makeover to match the newly refurbished ground floor.

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479 Footscray Road, New Eltham

Year: 2018 Cost: £310,000

New Build Home

PLANNING AUTHORITY APPROVED: GREENWICH COUNCIL

Design of a New build 5 bedroom home in New Eltham for repeat Developer client.

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77 Wansunt Road, Bexley

Year: 2016 Cost: £233000

Bungalow Conversion To A Two Storey Property & Garage Conversion

PLANNING AUTHORITY APPROVED: LONDON BOROUGH OF BEXLEY

Design of a double storey house extension and addition of 1st floor to what was originally a bungalow.

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12 Admiralty Walk, Whitstable

Year: 2016 Cost: £450000

Double storey extension with additional floor added/loft conversion

PLANNING AUTHORITY APPROVED: CANTERBURY CITY COUNCIL

Design of a double storey house extension and addition of 2nd floor to beach front bungalow style property. Modern design incorporating floating roofs, flush threshold sliding doors and latest home technology. Innovative use of sliding pocket doors. Frameless glass balconies and jacuzzi.

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45 Mill Street, East Malling

Year: 2018 Cost: £250,000

Bungalow Conversion

PLANNING AUTHORITY APPROVED: TONBRIDGE & MALLING COUNCIL

A Spacious Bungalow Conversion in East Malling

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3 Sussex Close, Tunbridge Wells

Year: 2018 Cost: £82600

Single Storey Extension and Porch

PLANNING AUTHORITY APPROVED: TUNBRIDGE COUNCIL

Using our latest 3D Design Technology AutoCad Revit we also created some internal 3D views

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If you would like to find out more about our projects just go to the contact us page, fill in brief details and we will get right back to you.

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Modern energy-efficient “Cozy House”

© Emma Cross

Designed by the Green Sheep Collective, Cozy Home is a refurbishment and expansion of a decrepit Californian bungalow in Melbourne, Australia. The project, completed in 2019, includes an annex with a third bedroom, a second bathroom and a covered seating area, organized without compromising the garden.

© Emma Cross

The owners of the house, a professional and sustainable lifestyle couple, wanted to create a modern, highly functional and energy efficient home that had a close connection with the garden.

© Emma Cross

In order to achieve sustainable development goals, the project had to overcome several problems that seriously affect its quality. First of all, this is a poor orientation of the house with a limited area. The house required an elaborate system of privacy, since its northern part is located in close proximity to the neighboring building, and the windows facing this side required serious protection. The fulfillment of special requirements also required the planning of parking for the car.

© Emma Cross

The project was aimed at creating a unified architectural composition of the existing structure and extension, and maximizing the thermal performance of the entire house. Its implementation included several main elements, among which the reconfiguration of the south side took the leading place in order to ensure the energy efficiency of the north-facing dwellings. An important element was also the creation of a form that uses northern light and does not overshadow the southern neighboring building. The underlying motive for the planning of the common space was the close connection with the garden and the complete preservation of its space. At the same time, the whole process of work was carried out taking into account a modest budget.

© Emma Cross

The size and functionality of the house has been increased to 117 square meters as a result of the project. Crafted in an original form with great respect for context, the dynamic volume of the extension stretches upwards to maximize natural light intake, while a warm, classic palette of materials complements the landscape and ensures longevity of use.

© Emma Cross

Created a flexible internal layout allows efficient use of every square meter. The additional bedroom was created through an efficient reconfiguration of the existing space, eliminating the monetary and environmental costs of the second floor. The spacious and functional bedrooms impress with their cozy simplicity and comfort, which is fully in line with the lifestyle of the homeowners. The open plan social area is flooded with sunlight and has a close connection to the north facing garden. The car parking area also has a flexible space that can be used for other purposes, such as storage space, and can be used as an outdoor dining area under a canopy.

© Emma Cross

The energy efficiency assessment in the project was applied not only to the new extension, but also to the entire house, in which it was decided to improve all environmental performance. The project exceeded the minimum requirements with a series of upgrades that reduced heating and cooling requirements by 77% from baseline and significantly improved the thermal performance of the building. To minimize negative impacts on non-renewable resources, the environment and human health, the project applied the principles of energy and water conservation. Particular attention was paid to the use of building materials. Only sustainable, accredited materials were used in the project, including FSC plywood, GECA certified paints and Livos oils. Low-waste materials included E-crete concrete and radially sawn lumber, which were sorted for recycling and reuse. This further saves energy and minimizes waste.

© Emma Cross

Passive solar design principles and environmentally friendly materials have contributed to the creation of a modern and very comfortable energy efficient home with a long service life.

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

© Emma Cross

Modern extension to a townhouse in Belgium

Photo

Jeron Werrecht

The owners of this townhouse in Ghent have been thinking about expanding their home for a long time, especially since there was still room on their small plot. The house already had a miniature extension, but it was too small and inconvenient to fit everything you need in it. So they turned to the Belgian studio Graux & Baeyens Architecten for help. The architects completely rethought the old housing, creating a modern extension of three different connected volumes finished with wood.

Townhouse in Ghent has been extended and remodeled by Graux & Baeyens Architecten.

Photo

Jaron Werrecht

The house has a new extension to fill the vacant lot.

Photo

Jaron Werrecht

The existing extension was extended with prefabricated steel structures. Inside, they decided to leave them open: “We painted them white and polished them to create a poetic play of light in the new living volume,” the authors of the project say. Between the old part of the house and the new space, a triangular skylight was placed on the ceiling to add daylight.

The modern style of the interior of the extension contrasts with the interior of the old part of the house.

Photo

Jaron Werrecht

The bathroom in the outbuilding is tiled in terrazzo.

Photo

Jaron Werrecht

The new extension has the functionality of a full-fledged home: it has a kitchen, dining room, bathroom and bedroom with a beautiful view of the canal.