Heritage Harmony: A Modern Pavilion Extension

Located in a well-preserved heritage conservation area, this beautiful Californian bungalow required a sensitive yet modern extension to suit a growing family with two young boys. The challenge: expand and modernize without compromising the historical integrity of the home while enhancing its connection to the landscape.

Our solution was a boldly sculpted masonry pavilion, distinctly set apart from the original structure by a low, central service block and an inviting courtyard. At its heart, a Japanese Maple provides a serene focal point visible from the surrounding rooms, grounding the new and old elements in a shared sense of calm and beauty.

A feature brick wall along the pavilion’s northern side casts dynamic shadows that shift throughout the day, adding visual depth and a tactile connection to the outdoors. To the west, a formal pergola offers protection from the afternoon sun while framing views of the terrace and landscaped gardens beyond. Inside, the pavilion’s soaring cathedral roof with a carefully placed toplight aligns with the home’s formal entry, drawing natural light into the public space and creating a welcoming entry experience.

Internally, updates to service rooms and wet areas are conceived as distinct “cells,” placed below the original plaster ceilings to preserve the bungalow’s architectural detailing. The result is a functional, expressive space that gracefully integrates the modern with the heritage, honoring the character of both the old and the new.