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Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

Edward Ogosta brightens Californian bungalow with Rear Window House extension

Edward Ogosta Architecture has renovated a 1940s house in California with light-filled white interiors and a master bedroom extension overlooking the garden.

The house, originally built in 1944, was overhauled with a glazed expansion towards the back of the lot by the local firm. Architect Edward Ogosta and his team sought to breathe new life into the ageing residence, while respecting original details and keeping it in line with nearby builds.

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

The single-storey building spans 1,450 square feet (135 square metres) and is located in Culver City – a part of Los Angeles County. The home is surrounded by similar bungalow houses, with low pitches and minimal exterior details.

"Influenced by the California minimalism practiced by the Light and Space movement of the 1960s, Ogosta sought to create moments of clarity that conjure a serene, meditative experience," said a statement from the firm.

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

The new addition extends from the house, which used to be square in plan but now forms an L-shape on its plot. This extension contains a master bedroom and ensuite, as well as a library.

Two large windows on either side of the new portion are focal points of the project, which also involved adding a series of new lightwells. The added glazed elements transform the old bungalow into a light-filled home with a contemporary character.

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

"Through a careful sequencing of new spaces and strategically located apertures, Rear Window House opens itself up to become deeply integrated with the rear garden," said the statement.

The master bedroom's expansive window has an extruded aluminium-wrapped enclosure, which overlooks a small pond.

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

"Key to Rear Window House's serene, minimal design was a sensitivity to context to lessen the addition's impact on the neighbourhood," Edward Ogosta Architecture said.

The new volume has a low, mono-pitched roof that is covered with asphalt roof shingles. Its shape is designed to relate to the original home, but offer a twist on traditional bungalows.

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

The firm kept much of the existing layout the same, by retaining the living room, dining area and kitchen. An office and a bedroom, positioned at the front of the house and facing the street, similarly remain as they were.

Only a quarter of the floor plan was tweaked to account for the new master bedroom's walk-in closet and an added linen cabinet, both of which are near the existing laundry and bathroom.

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

Edward Ogosta Architecture also updated the interiors of the entire home as well, with a focused effort to be simple and bright. The majority of the rooms feature white walls and bleached oak floors, with new skylights and modernist furniture pieces enhancing the residence.

For both inside and outside of the home, as well as its extension, materials are kept consistent to link the whole project together.

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture

Rear Window House was one of 11 buildings to win in the American Institute of Architects' (AIA) 2018 Small Project Awards. "This beautiful and precise addition redefines the historic bungalow," said the awards jury.

Photography is by Steve King.

More images and plans

Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Floor plans
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Diagram plan
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture
Rear Window House by Edward Ogosta Architecture