At the rear of two existing California bungalows, in Victoria’s centrally located neighbourhood of Glen Iris, Bardolph Gardens is setting an example on how to “convert under-utilised backyards into productive rental accommodation”. Designed by Breathe Architecture and built by Greg Scott Constructions, Bardolph Gardens consists of two single-storey, environmentally sustainable, affordable, and well-designed houses.
“As housing affordability increasingly sends renters to the urban fringe, Bardolph Gardens offers homeowners an exemplar model in how to convert under-utilised backyards into productive rental accommodation,” says Breathe Architecture.
Each dwelling has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room. The master bedroom also features an ensuite and walk-in robe. The homes have been designed to prioritise sustainability. Spaces have been carefully designed to maximise thermal performance through their building envelope, double glazing and orientation, while also operating entirely from a zero-fossil-fuel services system.
Every room has a connection to the outdoors, with a series of hit-and-miss brick screens that provide privacy for smaller courtyards and draw in air and dappled light. The home’s materiality was guided by its rental status, so finishes are durable and low maintenance. Recycled and locally sourced materials were used where possible, including timber benchtops, timber decking and all external brick work. “Polished concrete flooring also contains recycled content and all applied finishes are low-VOC,” says Breathe Architecture.
Both Bardolph Garden dwellings achieve a minimum of 8 NATHERS stars. “With passive design in mind, the dwellings incorporate plenty of thermal mass, prioritising winter solar heat gains, sun shading and cross-ventilation. Rainwater is collected and stored on site and plumbed back into toilets and garden taps for re-use,” says Breathe Architecture.
While the process of subdividing the block and adding new service connections from the street was challenging, the end result is inspiring and a great example of rental housing that is beneficial for the community and the environment.
Bardolph Gardens is proud to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land upon which it stands and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and culture.
