Green House is a quiet yet deeply personal transformation of a much-loved Californian Bungalow in Northcote, Melbourne—reimagined for a multigenerational family without altering its essential character.

My client, Chris, who had lived in the home for over forty years, approached  me with a vision shaped by memory, family, and a desire to live more comfortably in the place. Together, we made thoughtful, restrained decisions respecting the home’s original structure while introducing new elements with care. The kitchen remained in place, the bathroom became an ensuite, and a modest new wing was added with three gabled roofs that gently nod to Chris’ childhood in the Netherlands. Every detail was guided by light, flow, and a commitment to creating spaces that feel calm, flexible, and enduring.

This was not a project about reinvention, but about enhancing what already existed, crafting a home that carries its past with grace while quietly making room for the future.

“A comprehensive renovation and extension of my Californian bungalow in Northcote has just been completed. Alex from Ansari Architects expertly advised and guided me through the various stages of the project to bring it to fruition, including design, planning approvals, contract development, tendering and contract negotiations. She then oversaw and liaised with the contracted builder and associated trades throughout the construction. Alex clearly loves her job and has a flair for it. She displayed a deep professional expertise and interest in applying her architectural craft to my project, and she took a genuine personal interest throughout every aspect of the process to ensure the successful delivery of my new home. I would not have liked to have gone through the process without Alex’s guidance and assistance. In fact, I do not believe that I could have done it alone. So I am very grateful. “ - Chris Vennix

Completion: 2021 

Site size: 618m²

Building levels: 1

Suburb: Northcote

Council: Darebin, on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation

Construction: Kadabra Group

Photography: Michelle Williams