By preserving the essence of the existing original 1950’s bungalow, the Venice Bungalow allows nature to take center stage. Taking full advantage of indoor-outdoor living set amidst lush, green surroundings, the house is welcome refuge from the bustle of nearby Abbot Kinney.
Retaining the raised central volume of the existing bungalow, a second story and roof deck was added along with a new guest house. Drawing from the client’s affinity for Scandinavian and Mid-Century modern design, the new buildings seamlessly integrate with the existing bungalow, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
One of the key design interventions was the reorientation of the relationship between the two structures on the site, creating separate private courtyards for each, enhancing privacy while maximizing the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Interior partitions were removed on the ground floor of the main house, opening up the interior and creating a seamless flow between the living spaces and the newly landscaped exterior areas.
Large wood sliding glass doors were installed to connect the living room with the central courtyard, allowing for abundant natural light and ventilation. The sliding glass doors to the guest suite and garage were rotated 90 degrees to create a private courtyard that is separate from the exterior spaces of the main house, providing a intimate retreat for guests.