The Renovation of a Fifties Bungalow

From Fifties to Nifty

Is anyone old enough to remember the fifties? I know I’m not! I was born in 1957. I think we are all familiar with the fifties thanks to Hollywood’s version of Happy Days and American graffiti. The big North American made cars, in those great colors: salmon, powder blue, and turquoise. Most of those cars are gone now, relegated to the sidelines of our everyday life. They can be viewed being driven by silver haired owners with memories in their eyes at the local car shows that dot the Okanagan Valley during the summer. These days those great fifties fashions are coming back as is the music. What about the homes we lived in back then: what happened to them? Many of these older homes have been modified beyond recognition or are in disrepair.

I want to talk about a particular style of home the nineteen fifties, the flat roof bungalow that was commonly painted the same color as those great old cars. Some did have second levels so were not by the true definition bungalows, but because of the flat roofs they appeared low sprawling and modern in their day. In the postwar fifties home designers were trying to come up with a new look that was cost effective and pleasing to the eye. These homes were well laid out, economical, and sleek. They were also a great departure from the California craftsman house of the west coast.

Today these flat roofed vintage homes look dated. However, they have unlocked potential that deserves exploring. Recently I was contacted by a client interested in a carriage home. Unfortunately the back yard set backs did not allow for it. After doing a thorough inspection of their fifties bungalow I suggested putting the carriage house on the roof! I came up with a design calling for a 700 square foot self-contained penthouse suite to be added on top of the home. This suite was to include two rooftop decks, two bedrooms, and a modern kitchen with 10 foot ceilings. They were thrilled.

What made this renovation possible was the flat roof. In the project we will be re-cladding the entire home and bringing the design completely up to date while retaining the distinctive fifties flat roof. The next step before anything is done is to have an energy audit completed. There are grants available from both federal and provincial programs that can make your old home the most energy efficient home on the block!

So the big question is: what will new proposed design look like? The new design looks like a modern home with sleek lines and simple detailing. The transformation will be startling. I will post info and photos on our blog as the project proceeds.

Give us a call and let us guide you through the process of planning, designing and building your home's transformation. With the help of our fully certified trades and with my personal supervision, Greenwave Construction is a winning combination. With 30 years of experience Greenwave Construction is the only smart choice for Kelowna home renovations.


Proposed Front Elevation

Don’t move: renovate, and transform your existing home. A mortgage helper can keep you in your home for a long time. With today’s low interest rate there has never been a better time to grow your home to address the needs of your family now and in the future. Give us a call we can help take the homework out of home improvements.


David Federici
Greenwave Construction
Kelowna, BC
(250) 575-2690
http://www.greenwaveconstruction.ca/