#RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE PROJECTS
Gorgeous Doll’s House extension transforms a drafty bungalow into an energy-efficient home
Australian design firm BKK Architects completed the Doll’s House, a flexible and energy-efficient addition to a former drafty bungalow.
Taking inspiration from the traditional children’s doll’s house, the gabled home features a beautiful fully glazed rear facade framed by oversized timber beams. Built as part of a suburban Melbourne home, the Doll’s House nearly doubles the size of the existing single-story Northcote structure and includes gray water recycling, VOC-free materials, and high-performance insulation.
Energy efficiency was key in the design of the Doll’s House. The architects wrapped the formerly drafty bungalow inside a highly insulated envelope with R7-insulated fabric. The well-sealed house was re-oriented towards the north to follow passive solar principles; copious amounts of natural light pour through the fully transparent rear facade, reducing the need for artificial light. Low VOC and VOC-free materials were used in construction and the house was optimized for natural cross ventilation.
Custom-designed LEDs are fully integrated into the contemporary and cozy interior, which is laid out in open-plan with no doors or walls to separate the spaces. The living, dining, and kitchen areas are located on the first floor, while a gallery and bedroom are placed on the upper level. The landscaping features a drought-tolerant planting plan and edible garden that are irrigated with recycled gray water.
