Set on Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung land in Pascoe Vale South, Bungalow Reborn honours the past while building for the future. The original 1920s bungalow, loved by the client for its character and location, was retained at the front, with the poorly considered 1990s extension removed to allow for a more thoughtful and functional addition.
The new rear extension mirrors the silhouette and proportions of the original home, maintaining harmony while introducing contemporary detailing and spatial flow. A recurring chevron motif, derived from the original gable forms, guides detailing throughout the interiors, creating visual rhythm and consistency.
The brief was driven by the needs of a growing family. The clients, a dynamic, forward-thinking professional couple with two young children, wanted a forever home that respected the heritage of their neighbourhood while enabling modern living. The resulting home offers four bedrooms, generous living spaces, and improved connectivity to a larger rear garden, ready for years of backyard cricket and birthday parties.
This renovation delivers far more than updated amenity. It’s an architectural expression of continuity: between old and new, between nostalgia and ambition, between past memories and the many more to come.
Bungalow Reborn is a thoughtful and sophisticated example of suburban heritage transformation. One that balances architectural discipline with emotional resonance. It’s a project that speaks to the desires of many contemporary families: to live sustainably and comfortably within established urban neighbourhoods, while honouring the stories of place.
Its modesty and clarity make it compelling. The architectural response is bold yet respectful, and the subtle use of motifs throughout elevates the interior beyond the everyday. With its context-sensitive design and family-centric ethos, this home offers inspiration for readers seeking to adapt heritage homes without compromise.
Architect and certified passive house designer Audrey Whisker, says: “For a young professional couple, Bungalow Reborn is more than a renovation—it’s the realisation of a long-held dream to raise a family in the community they love.
“With two boys in tow, their vision was clear: keep the charm, gain the space, and create a home that could carry them through every chapter of life. Whisker Architecture responded with a design that celebrates their home’s history while providing flexibility, flow, and comfort for everyday life. Bungalow Reborn now stands as a warm, functional, and enduring backdrop for a lifetime of memories.”
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Builder: Quickset Carpentry | Photography: Phil Ng
