A Curving Rammed Earth Addition Expands a Family Bungalow in Melbourne

Ruth Rengasamy, who grew up in a rammed-earth home in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, always appreciated its natural insulation, which kept the house cool in summer and warm in winter. Her parents built the home themselves using a handbook, inspiring her with the unique qualities of rammed earth. Rammed earth is a building material composed of natural raw materials like earth, chalk, lime, or gravel. When Ms. Rengasamy and her husband, Raja, decided to renovate their dilapidated California bungalow in Brunswick, Melbourne’s inner north, they were determined to incorporate rammed-earth walls. Architect Steffen Welsch of Steffen Welsch Architects was enthusiastic about the idea, noting that rammed-earth homes offer a strong sense of shelter and protection from the outside world due to their solid construction. The renovation involved demolishing an old lean-to at the rear of the bungalow to make way for a new extension featuring the rammed-earth walls. The earth for construction was sourced from a nearby quarry and mixed with lime for added stability. Mr. Welsch emphasized the contextual and environmentally friendly nature of using local earth, as its color reflects the region, and the process has a lower environmental impact compared to concrete production. These walls contribute a raw beauty and natural texture to the extension, which houses the main bedroom, a study, a laundry, and the kitchen, meals, and living areas. Beyond the unusual materials, the extension's curved shape also stands out. Ms. Rengasamy explained that they wanted to avoid a standard box-shaped extension. Since the backyard faces south, a curved design was adopted to maximize morning light. This design successfully brings ample morning sunshine into the home. The front of the house also underwent a significant renovation. The bungalow was in poor condition and had lost much of its original character. Although the couple considered tearing it down, they decided against it to preserve the streetscape, as a row of matching bungalows lined the street. The house was restumped, and the original weatherboards were replaced. Mr. Welsch also redesigned the front to connect the home more effectively with the neighborhood, adding French doors to the front spare bedroom for easy access to the front yard. The revamped house now offers distinct spaces for children, guests, and parents, along with communal and transitional zones. The change in flooring from timber in the older part of the house to polished concrete in the new extension visibly marks these different areas. The kitchen is a highlight for Ms. Rengasamy, featuring a large island bench, Corian countertops, and extensive outdoor views through numerous windows, including a curved bank of glass doors. She notes that the kitchen’s design makes cooking enjoyable and that the entire living area remains bright and cheerful even on dark winter days, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. #BrunswickRenovation #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeExtension #CaliforniaBungalow #NaturalMaterials #MelbourneRealEstate

The article details the redesign of an 18th-century farmhouse in Lumberton, transforming it to accommodate modern living while honoring its historical roots. The project was undertaken by Michelle Gage of Philadelphia-based Michelle Gage Interiors, who notes the home's significant age, dating back to the Revolutionary era. This particular residence presented a unique challenge due to its extensive history and the accumulated alterations made by previous inhabitants over centuries. The homeowner's openness to Gage's suggestions was a crucial factor in the redesign's success, allowing for a creative yet respectful approach. Gage identified an inherent 'English vibe' in the home and aimed to align the interior design with both this aesthetic and the client's 'quirky and eccentric' personality. The English influence is evident throughout the house, starting from the entry where antique boot racks hold wellies. The primary bedroom showcases a vibrant display of color and pattern, featuring layered florals on the walls, headboard, and bedding. The chosen wallpaper designs evoke a British country house style, characterized by rich patterns that contribute depth and character to the space. The redesign also incorporated unique elements like a moody, jungle-themed wall covering in the breakfast nook. This wallpaper, featuring hidden animal motifs, thoughtfully frames the home's original built-in cabinetry, adding an element of surprise and whimsy. In contrast, the laundry room adopts a more serene ambiance with a subdued sage-green and white botanical wall covering, designed to create a fresh and crisp atmosphere reminiscent of newly laundered linens. The project successfully merged historical integrity with contemporary comfort and personal style, creating a home that respects its past while providing a vibrant and unique living environment for its current owner. The collaboration between the designer and homeowner resulted in a space that is both historically conscious and reflective of modern eclectic tastes, demonstrating how an antique structure can be adapted for current lifestyles without sacrificing its inherent charm. #LumbertonFarmhouse #HistoricalHome #HomeRedesign #EclecticDecor #InteriorDesign #MichelleGageInteriors #EnglishVibe #RevolutionaryEraHome

Fashion designer Kelli Wharton embarked on a transformative renovation of her blonde-brick suburban house in Byron Bay, converting it into a stunning beach-inspired home. Her clear vision was to create a cool, beachy abode that mirrored the laidback coastal lifestyle she and her family embraced, regularly spending time on the white sands south of Byron Bay. The design emphasized ease and functionality to suit a family with two young boys, incorporating natural elements like stone and wood throughout the interior to reflect the surrounding environment. Key changes included converting a bedroom into a family room, which was adorned with cushions from Talulah's homewares range. The living room features a striking coffee table from Ahoy Trader and a recently added Izzah Beni Ourain rug from Marr-Kett. The master bedroom was thoughtfully built in the space previously occupied by the garage, featuring whitewashed floorboards from Choices Flooring, contributing to the beachy aesthetic. The master bedroom also includes a colorful artwork by Jai Vasicek of Ahoy Trader, hanging above a chair sourced from Byron Designworks. The kitchen, a central hub for the family, was completely rebuilt in its original location to incorporate more cupboard and bench space, catering to practical family needs. The dining area features a marble-topped dining table from Coco Republic, complemented by chairs from Fenton & Fenton. The bathroom was updated with Bianco Industry Silver tiles from Byron Bay Tiles, ensuring a contemporary yet cohesive feel. An outdoor dining area includes a table from Kelli's father, paired with chairs imported from Indonesia, and a fan from Beacon Lighting, with a towel from the Talulah homewares range, enhancing the indoor-outdoor flow. Functionality and style extend to the exterior with a garage built from merbau timber at the front of the property, designed to house the family's surfboards, including a mini mal from Kelli's own label, Talulah. This renovation successfully blends modern design with a relaxed, beach-inspired atmosphere, creating a home that is both beautiful and practical for a coastal family life. #ByronBayHome #BeachHouseRenovation #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #CoastalLiving #FashionDesignerHome #FamilyFriendlyDesign #HomeTransformation

Bungalow, located at 24 1st Ave., New York, NY, is a contemporary Indian restaurant that has been recognized with a Bib Gourmand award by the MICHELIN Guide, signifying good quality and good value cooking. Helmed by Chef Vikas Khanna, the establishment offers a distinctive dining experience in a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is characterized by pale pink walls, vibrant murals, and a bar featuring intricate carved panels, creating an aesthetically pleasing setting. Securing a table at Bungalow can be challenging, as the restaurant is frequently bustling, and many diners line up early in hopes of getting a walk-in spot, given that reservations are not available through the MICHELIN Guide's platform. The culinary journey at Bungalow begins with a selection of unique cocktails, which incorporate innovative ingredients such as turmeric-infused tequila and chili-infused mezcal. The menu focuses on contemporary Indian cuisine, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary traditions from India's 28 states. This approach allows for a broad exploration of regional flavors and techniques, moving beyond more commonly known Indian dishes. Standout items highlighted by the MICHELIN Guide include the five-cheese kulcha, a stuffed flatbread, and yogurt kebabs. These kebabs are wrapped in crispy kataifi pastry and served with a bright pickled cabbage puree and a spicy mango coulis, illustrating the kitchen's creative and skillful execution. Bungalow operates from Tuesday to Sunday, opening at 5 PM and closing at 11 PM, with Mondays being its day off. The restaurant accepts various payment methods, including American Express, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa credit cards, as well as debit cards. While it falls under the '$$$' price range, categorized as suitable for a 'Special occasion' by the MICHELIN Guide, its Bib Gourmand status implies that it offers excellent value for the quality of food provided. The restaurant is also noted as being family-friendly and is currently trending, further indicating its popularity among diners. Facilities and services include air conditioning. The restaurant is positioned within the New York State, New York area, specifically in a location accessible to a variety of nearby dining and lodging options. The MICHELIN Guide review for Bungalow was published on December 9, 2024, by a Michelin Inspector, who praised the chef's independent venture and the vibrant atmosphere. #MichelinGuide #BibGourmand #IndianCuisine #NewYorkRestaurants #ChefVikasKhanna #ContemporaryIndian #NYC

The article details the extensive renovation of a three-story American Classic house in Pantai Mutiara, North Jakarta, undertaken by interior designers Yandi Prayudhi and Ariesta Anastasia from Ilcasa Studio. Initially, the clients, a young couple with two children, sought to add two bedrooms and eliminate the basement due to a history of flooding. However, during the design phase, their needs evolved, prompting the addition of an extra bedroom, a new level, and an elevator, alongside numerous interior modifications. This expansion necessitated the involvement of architect Suman Lie, who collaborated with Yandi and Ariesta on the architectural layout, while much of the original layout remained intact. The clients desired a more contemporary and youthful interior feel, moving away from the intricate details of a traditional American Classic style. The designers opted for a lighter, fresher Contemporary American style, incorporating subtle profile details. Ariesta emphasized that the house should be both comfortable and functional, capable of impressing guests with a sense of luxury that aligns with simplicity and modern aesthetics, rather than ostentatious displays of wealth. The overarching goal was to create a 'homy and comfortable' atmosphere throughout the residence. The renovation transformed various spaces within the house. Upon entering, a spacious foyer in earth tones with golden accents welcomes visitors, featuring a rhombus-patterned marble floor, an organic crystal chandelier, and a monochromatic painting. The soothing aquamarine swimming pool is visible straight from the entrance, complemented by grey wall panels that highlight the artwork and sofa. A hallway leads to a multifunctional lounge area with a round marble table and chairs, overlooking the pool. This space serves as a study area for children and a guest reception spot. A guest bedroom, one of the new additions, is located behind a door in this area, adorned with abstract paintings that complement the room's colors and the ivory marble floor, which was preserved from the old house at the request of the previous owner. Further inside, a white profiled doorway leads to the stairs, elevator, dining room, pantry, and living room. This area, with its large window offering views of the sea, yachts, and neighboring houses, was designed with a 'sea breeze' concept. Earth-toned furniture is accented with blue elements in the sofa, cushion covers, carpet, and paintings, bringing the coastal theme indoors. The visible pool and vertical garden enhance the natural feel. Fixed furniture pieces, such as the floating credenza and pantry, were custom-designed by Ilcasa, while loose furniture was selected from Melandas. A sentimental piano, owned by the husband since childhood, adds a touch of nostalgia. Adjacent to the living room is a lounge area, situated between the pool and back patio. The clients' initial desire for a Balinese resort feel was refined by the designers to a simpler, toned-down version, incorporating a wicker wall panel as a focal point and wooden walls with satin textured white duco paint. A sofa with a solid wood frame and a chaise lounge contribute to a tropical, relaxing ambiance. The second floor is dedicated to the master bedroom suite, featuring a lounge room with a sofa and TV. The flooring in the master bedroom area, excluding the bathroom, was replaced with parquet for a cozier feel. Consistent with the 'sea breeze' theme, a bluish wallpaper is applied above the bedhead. Cleverly camouflaged doors on either side of the bed conceal a video game room and a toilet, the latter added for convenience based on the architect's suggestion. The master bathroom is designed to evoke a resort or luxury hotel, boasting a large freestanding bathtub, a wall with Balinese-inspired decorative carving, dual basins, and separate shower and toilet facilities. A walk-in closet for the wife, complete with a vanity, and a separate wardrobe for the husband, are located just outside the bathroom. Both the master bathroom and walk-in closet feature earth tones and warm lighting. The top floor houses the children's rooms, each with a desk, playing corner, and en-suite bathroom, along with an additional room whose function is yet to be decided. The entire renovation process spanned nearly four years, including delays due to the pandemic, ultimately transforming the old house into a comfortable and warm home for the family. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #PantaiMutiara #IlcasaStudio #ContemporaryAmericanStyle #LuxuryHome #ArchitecturalRedesign #ClientCollaboration #SpaceTransformation