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There has been a certain predictability about bungalow restorations in recent years. More often than not, the front of the house retains its traditional facade, while the rear is opened up to the outdoors with a sleek, contemporary extension.

It's a solution that works for many homeowners, but the designer-builder of this renovation project wanted something a little out of the ordinary. Cameron Ireland, who is also the co-owner of the house with interior designer Rachael Newnham, says he wanted an extension that would make a strong architectural statement.

"The house, which was built in the early 1900s, was in total disrepair it even had the original hessian lining on the walls. But it did have solid hardwood framing, spacious rooms and a west-facing rear yard. There was plenty of potential to create a good flow to the outdoors, but we wanted something a little different."

Ireland says the main challenge of the project was the slope of the site the rear of the house was high off the ground. Rather than trying to disguise the height difference with a series of split levels, Ireland chose to highlight the drop by building a totally separate pavilion. This is linked to the main house by a fully glazed stairwell incorporating a glass staircase that traverses a new lap pool.

"The glass stairs are more interactive than a traditional, closed-in staircase," he says. "They highlight the transition between the old and new parts of the house, but they also ensure there is a strong visual connection between the two areas."

The stairs are an extension of the main axis through the house the rear garden can be glimpsed from the front door.

Ireland says the home's street appeal was also improved. Although the traditional facade was retained, the original sash windows in the bedrooms were replaced with large French doors. And the veranda was rebuilt with square-edged posts that hint at the contemporary changes beyond.

The original board-and-batten ceiling, baseboards and architraves were also restored or re-created, and the floorboards were stained a dark shade and polished.

Through the stairwell, however, the contemporary nature of the glass and concrete pavilion is readily apparent.

"We chose a raw material palette to play up the contemporary architecture," says Ireland. "Similarly, the colors of the walls and furnishings in the room were kept neutral so the main color influence would be the green of the outdoors."

Glass sliders open up the front of the pavilion to a deck that leads to a lawn. Sliders at the rear open up to the lap pool.

"The extensive glazing and the high ceiling in the extension maximize the natural light and help make the room look more spacious," says Ireland.

To ensure the scale of the kitchen would be in keeping with the proportions of the room, the cabinetry is nearly 9ft high. With its lacquered doors and recessed handles, the cabinetry was designed to complement the uncluttered lines of the pavilion.

"We wanted the kitchen to be as minimal as possible, so it wouldn't intrude on the overall space," says Ireland. "The black-and-white theme, which is repeated elsewhere in the house, is a nod to the 70s, but it was also a way to provide a crisp look that is still neutral."

The white cabinets are paired with black composite granite countertops and a dramatic black glass backsplash.

At the opposite end of the room, a gas fireplace ensures the family living area is comfortable all year round.

"The underfloor heating also keeps the interior warm and cozy in winter," says the homeowner.

Story by: Colleen Hawkes