Architecture

A Timeless Yet Characterful Federation Bungalow Update

Sympathetically extending an authentic Federation home is always challenging, even more so when heritage restrictions are involved. 

Never ones to shy away from a challenging restoration, Studio Prineas developed considered updates and additions across the architecture, joinery, furniture and styling of this inner-west Sydney property. Add a pool into the mix, and you’ve got one seriously enviable home!

Written
by
Amelia Barnes

Nestled in Sydney’s inner-west, Bona Vista by Studio Prineas reinterprets the characterful features of its Federation frontage. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

 Studio Prineas developed a considered vision for all aspects of the project: architecture, planning, custom joinery, furniture and styling. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

 The original building was previously separated from the garden. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

The updated concept works to connect the main living spaces to the garden by an internal level change. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

The design team were inspired by the home’s existing terrazzo thresholds and vitrified tiles to the fireplace, driving a tactile and layered material sensibility. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

For the material palette, Studio Prineas were inspired by the home’s existing terrazzo thresholds and vitrified fireplace tiles. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

Architect Eva-Marie Prineas says the completed home is as much about the parts restored, as it is about the parts created. Photos – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

Original rooms were mostly left intact, except for updates to circulation paths and the ceiling. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

Bathrooms are contemporary and generous, yet sympathetic to the original. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

Thoughtful details pay homage to the identity and grain of the original house. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

The new pool takes the home to the next level. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

The new pool house. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

The extension looks directly out to the pool. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

The Federation bungalow facade. Photo – Chris Warnes. Styling – Anna Delprat

Writer
Amelia Barnes
6th of May 2021

Studio Prineas’ recent project, ‘Bona Vista’, is a restored and extended Federation bungalow in Sydney, blending timeless and characterful design. 

The Haberfield property (seven kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD) recently included charming but not quite appropriate details for modern living. Among them – a sweet sewing room with an affixed vintage Singer sewing machine, and several built-in elements. The plan was to preserve as much of the home as possible, then add an extension aligned with the overall character. 

Original rooms were mostly left intact, except for updates to circulation paths and the ceiling. ‘Over time, the ceilings had suffered water damage, which required replacement, but we did this faithfully, repeating the original detail,’ explains Eva-Marie Prineas, principal of Studio Prineas. 

New to the home is a pavilion containing the contemporary open-plan domain – a stark contrast to the original floor plan. ‘Even the kitchen was in a segregated room [before]’ says Eva-Marie.  ‘As this addition is more contemporary in its detailing, we made the decision to separate it from the original house by a drop in level and internal stair.’

In keeping with strict heritage restrictions, the same roof profile of the original home was embraced, while introducing an unconventional internal ceiling line. The result is a surprising and memorable volume, articulated by partially obscured skylights filtering natural light.

For the material palette, Studio Prineas were inspired by the home’s existing terrazzo thresholds and vitrified fireplace tiles. Red stack bond brick forms a robust datum that grounds the open living spaces, complemented by warm natural stone, Tasmanian oak and rattan joinery. 

Eva-Marie says the completed home is as much about the parts restored, as it is about the parts created. ‘The home we restored is one that encourages and inspires a life well-lived, and it’s in this way that our changes and additions have improved what was already there.’ 

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