Mt Albert Bungalow Case Study - Renovation & Extension
Case Study: Mt Albert Bungalow Transformed From 1930s Time Capsule to A Social Sanctuary
When Paul & Katherine first found their 1930s bungalow in Mt Albert, they were drawn to the setting — its lush green backdrop and ideal location in a warm, friendly community.
The home itself just didn't work...
The home itself was a time capsule trapped in its past: tired, disconnected from the garden, and no longer suited to a growing family of five. Working together with Jones Architects, there has been an absolute transformation of spaces. See the detailed case study below:
Disconnected to connected
The original layout was cut off from the outdoors, and the garden felt like a separate world. It was lacking flow, storage, and light.
A shortage of bedrooms and living spaces to spread out or cuddle up. This made the home feel dark, pokey, and boxy. A common issue with homes of this age with the original layout.
What did we do to solve these issues?
A dramatic extension was designed that features soaring “cathedral” ceilings, expansive windows, and beautiful timber sliding doors that open straight to the garden. As well as a repurposing of existing spaces.
The Design of the new extension & reconfiguration of existing spaces
You can see one of the original concept floorplan designs and renders provided to our clients early on in the process. Such an exciting step to be able to see and feel the project before moving on to the next stage with more detailed plans for structural elements and a scope of work.
It's at the concept plans stage that Alpha 1 Builders provides pricing. This ensures that the builder, designer and most importantly the clients can all be on the same page about the physical costs to build the home before moving forward into more details.
The Clients are then able to pare back or add certain items from their wishlist to the scope of work.
The massive timber sliders were a key piece not only for the success of the design but also for our clients, who were passionate about maintaining the timber joinery around the entire home and honouring the original materials used in the home.
Next Level Joinery, who proudly label themselves as 'timber nerds', were the perfect detail-obsessed company to undertake the engineering and creation of these doors and the windows above. You can see the extension taking shape with the preparation to install the transformative sliders and windows. Such a fantastic way to bring the garden inside and connect with nature, rain, hail or shine.
We have worked with Adam and his team from Next Level Joinery on many character projects. They are fantastic to deal with, as are all of our experienced and specialised sub-trade partners. To date, this set of sliders is the largest to be crafted by Next Level.
Why the original kitchen didn't work...
This kitchen was once the heart of the home — filled with character and nostalgia — but time had caught up with it. The patterned wallpaper, dark tones, and closed-in layout spoke of another era, creating a space that felt more cluttered than cosy.
While it no doubt served the family well over the years, the narrow design and limited storage made it difficult to move and work efficiently. Natural light struggled to bring warmth into the room, and the separation from the rest of the home meant cooking could feel like a solitary task rather than a social one.
It was clear this kitchen was ready for a new chapter — one that celebrated openness, flow, and modern living while still honouring the charm of the original home. In creating the extension, there was a perfect opportunity for a magnificent kitchen/dining/indoor-outdoor flow to be created.
This replaced the separate kitchen with a formal dining room and a separate lounge area to create one giant cohesive space.
The new kitchen
Functionally, this kitchen is a triumph — working with Marton Lee Kitchens, they designed a generous prep space, abundant storage, and effortless flow between cooking, dining, and outdoor entertaining zones.
Whether it’s a family breakfast or evening drinks with friends, this space effortlessly adapts, balancing sophistication with comfort.
It’s a kitchen that feels both modern and lived-in — a place made for connection, laughter, and everyday ease.
The kitchen not only connects to the living areas, but also to the laundry and the 'all new' double garage.
Providing a dry entrance for the owners regardless of the weather outside. It's also perfectly positioned to access the garden and make the most of line drying.
The extension offers a dream transition to the once disconnected garden. The natural light is just incredible. No more dark, dated, closed-in bungalow. Where lights were constantly turned on to compensate and try to stave off seasonal depression.
What were some of the site challenges?
Drainage/Stormwater Requirements of Council.
The site was pretty flat, which was fantastic. However, with the new Council stormwater and runoff requirements, specific measures had to be met with regard to drainage and water retention to ensure compliance. We followed explicit instructions from both the Architect and the Council to achieve this.
The careful relocation & restoration of treasured ceiling roses, domes & battens
Elegant ceiling domes and roses were approached with utmost care. One of the two was repositioned to allow for the extension.
Whilst the second one was protected and worked around. Classic bungalow battens were thoughtfully recreated, and every detail was chosen to honour the home’s era while bringing in a fresh, modern feeling.
The outdated original bathroom
Before the renovation, this bathroom was truly a step back in time — a vintage time capsule bursting with bold 70s charm. From the mustard-yellow sink and deep orange clawfoot tub to the busy floral wallpaper and olive-green carpet, every detail told a story from another era.
While full of character, the space felt dark, dated, and far from functional for modern family living. It was ready for a complete transformation — one that would bring light, calm, and contemporary comfort.
We also added a much-desired en-suite bathroom to the master bedroom. An absolute dream for a mum with 4 males in the home!
The new bathroom
Now, this bathroom is the perfect picture of calm and contemporary elegance. ✨
Gone are the bold florals and heavy tones — replaced with soft, natural hues, clean lines, and a soothing sense of space. The freestanding bath sits beautifully beneath the window, inviting quiet moments of relaxation, while the walk-in shower and sleek vanity bring effortless modern functionality.
Flooded with light and finished with timeless materials, this once-dated space is now a serene retreat that feels both luxurious and welcoming — the perfect balance of beauty and practicality for busy family life.
Heritage meets everyday living
What stands now is a home that honours its original character — the craftsmanship, the detailing, the heritage — and yet lives beautifully for a modern family. Light pours into once-closed-off rooms. Spaces have become living hubs instead of corridors.
The result: a home filled with warmth, life, and an enduring sense of belonging.
Why This Project Matters
Time capsule reborn: A home that felt frozen in time has been transformed into one that breathes.
Garden connection: The indoors and outdoors now link seamlessly — perfect for this busy family’s lifestyle.
Character preserved: Original detailing restored and highlighted with fresh, modern finishes.
Award-winning result: Craftsmanship to the highest standard, built to be loved for years to come.
Paul, Katherine and their 3 boys love their home and had this to say about working with Alpha 1 on this large-scale renovation/extension project.
We’d happily recommend them to anyone wanting a quality result from a team who truly cares about your home as much as you do.
The Alpha 1 Builders Promise
At Alpha 1 Builders, we love transformation projects like this because they show what real renovation can achieve — homes that rediscover their soul and become more than just functional spaces.
From the first consultation to the final finishing touch, our team is committed to clarity, craftsmanship, and your vision. If your home is ready for a change, let’s talk because your home should reflect you and how you love to live.
Craftsmanship that wins awards - Renovations that respect your budget.