Occupying an under-utilised open space at the rear of two existing Californian bungalows, Bardolph Gardens consists of two single-storey dwellings that provide environmentally sustainable, affordable, and well designed rental housing in Glen Iris.

Celebrating the prominence of brick materiality in the surrounding context, the recycled brick facade of Bardolph Gardens adds value to the streetscape with a simple, contemporary aesthetic. The form and pitch of the roof planes take cues from its neighbouring houses, homogenising the proposed forms with the neighbourhood character.

Dwellings are entered through either a private courtyard or landscaped garden. Interiors are generous, light-filled, warm and spacious with each room having an outlook to greenery. A considered roof pitch and external steel awnings work to maximise solar gain in winter whilst providing volume and an abundance of light to the living areas through north-facing glazing.  The pared-back, humble and robust material palette serves a purpose to ensure the longevity of the dwellings. Embedded throughout, a series of hit-and-miss brick screens create smaller courtyards, drawing in air and dappled light to adjacent bedrooms and bathrooms.

Bardolph Gardens is designed with a priority towards sustainability with each dwelling achieving a minimum of 8 stars. Carefully designed to maximise thermal performance, dwellings operate entirely from a zero fossil fuel services system, including a solar PV array and heat pump system that supplies hot water.

We are proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land upon which Bardolph Gardens stands. We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.

Awards

• Houses Awards 2020 Sustainability (Commendation)
• Houses Awards 2020 Apartment or Unit (Commendation)
• INDE Awards 2020 The Living Space’ Award (Shortlisted)

Photography by Tom Ross