DUAL OCCUPANCY & DUPLEX ARCHITECTS
Thoughtful design for dual living
Designing dual dwellings that feel like home
Dual occupancies and duplexes – in fact all dual living spaces – are often just mirrored layouts. Copycats of each other, without much thought to the people who will be living in them. At Ironbark Architecture we believe that dual living should be more than that – they should be thoughtful, functional and tailored to the people who live in them.
Our approach focuses on creating homes that maximise space while offering individuality and comfort for every person in each residence. Both dwellings are equally considered in both design and functionality.
Understanding clients’ lifestyle needs, whether they’re planning to live in one home and rent the other, accommodate extended family or create a long-term investment is step one. We also consider the site, responding to the unique context and environment of each location, and integrate passive design principles that maximise natural light, ventilation and energy efficiency.
This way, both homes feel individual, personalised and a pleasure to live in.
Dual occupancy homes that work for you
Dual occupancy homes are an often overlooked type of building, but they offer a range of advantages for homeowners and investors alike.
Maximise your land use – By accommodating two dwellings on a single lot, dual occupancy designs make efficient use of the land, especially valuable in areas with rising property prices.
Increase your potential rental income – You can choose to live in one dwelling and rent out the other, providing an additional income stream.
Flexibility for multi-generational living – Dual living spaces are ideal for multi-generational living, allowing extended families to reside close by while maintaining separate spaces and privacy.
Increase your property value – Well-designed dual occupancy homes can enhance the overall value of the property and give you long-term financial benefits.
Sustainability – Dual occupancy developments can be more environmentally friendly. They often require fewer resources and promote higher-density living.
At Ironbark Architecture, we specialise in creating dual occupancy homes that are thoughtfully designed to meet your unique needs while also ensuring functionality, aesthetic appeal and long-term value.
Our dual occupancy projects
Each of our dual occupancy projects is a testament to our commitment to thoughtful design and client collaboration.
Tin Shed House
A duplex with a difference
The primary driving force in this duplex was to forego the standard “side-by-side” approach in favour of a “one-behind-the-other” approach. This approach allowed two unique residences that each boast generous north-facing courtyards and living areas that bask in the warmth of natural light and enjoy natural ventilation and cooling during summer. As a project, this dual occupancy allowed a healthy return on investment (ROI) for the owners, funding the entire build.
Tucked into the urban landscape of suburbia, the homes have a rustic “bush” feel; and are a blend of Australian heritage and modern sustainable living. Materials and finishes were chosen that had a raw and robust aesthetic such as wire brushed timber flooring, hardwood timber screening, structural steel frames and corrugated steel cladding. The native landscaping, designed to be like a slice of bushland contrasts starkly (and intentionally) with the neighbouring ‘manicured’ lawns and gardens.
Relic House
From existing building to considered living space
Relic House is a dual residence designed to provide a source of income for the owners, who occupy one home and rent the other.
Like all our dual occupancy projects, when we took on this project we were committed to creating two separate homes each unique in functionality and appearance. To help with this we created a series of north-south blade walls to create a cohesive yet distinct identity for each dwelling. This made them individual homes, while also ensuring their privacy.
The overall design also incorporates passive solar principles with ‘winter rooms’ on the upper level to capture northern sunlight during cooler months. And cost-effective materials, like concrete bricks and rust-coloured weatherboards, blend both homes into the natural landscape while green vines soften the facade.
Personalisation abounds as well – with one residence having a central courtyard as an additional outdoor space. Most importantly, the owners have a home they love and useful income as well.
Maui
A thoughtfully crafted bushland home.
The client's brief for this new dual occupancy project was to create a building that presented a cohesive and asymmetrical facade to the street, as a counterpoint to the typical "mirror image" dual occupancy design approach.
To bring natural light and ventilation into the full depth of each home, the homes were designed with split levels, high level windows and a central courtyard with a reflecting pool and feature dragon tree. The reflecting pools connect the formal living room to the TV room whilst still providing some separation and introducing subtle variety and natural elements with the reflections and colours off the water.
Each home was designed to be a "sanctuary", as you step into the walled courtyards, privacy is immediate. A generous double height void within the front entry provides visual connections to both the upper and lower levels of the interiors and a hardwood bridge spans across to access the master bedroom suite, offering views down to the living spaces on one side and the reflecting pool on the other.
Sleek and natural high quality finishes were used throughout. Acrylic render so that the risk of cracks was mitigated, hardwood silvertop ash (an australian hardwood), oiled and allowed to weather over time, Gaggenau appliances, suspended wood burning fireplaces, polished concrete, terrazzo tiles and a lap pool all work together to bring all the design features together.
Wooloo Wulu
This project sought to bring passive solar design principles to a dual occupancy project, a building typology, often designed without regard for the quality of natural light and ventilation due to the challenges of fitting two homes side by side on a single block.
Here, the hurdle was overcome by doing away with the mirror image floor plan and allowing the Southern home to extend further down the block than the other. A combination of high level windows and a highly articulated floor plan allowed the home on the Southern side of the block to receive as much sunlight as the one on the Northern side. Small courtyards were cut into the floorplan to bring the gardens right into the depths of each home. Natural materials and dynamic cathedral roofs create a quality of interior space that is not common in dual occupancies.
Gunnamatta
A home shaped by coastal context and natural materiality
Why choose Ironbark Architecture?
Choosing the right architect for your dual occupancy or duplex project is crucial. Our team brings a personalised approach to each project, with a goal to ensuring your design reflects your vision and meets your needs and never leaves you with a cookie cutter property.
We have extensive experience in navigating the complexities of dual occupancy developments, including council regulations, site constraints and sustainability requirements. And we always prioritise quality – focusing on creating homes that are both beautiful and functional and achieve your financial and family goals.
Whether you intend to live in one of the homes, or rent out both properties, we design with longevity and comfort in mind. Our focus is to create spaces that you’ll be proud to call home, while also providing an investment in your future.
Clients testimonial
“I highly recommend Chris from Ironbark. He was an amazing architect and thoroughly understood the brief for our renovation, taking it well beyond our imagination. From the beginning, Chris asked us to list our problems and said they were no longer ours, they were now his to resolve. And I really liked that approach. Now that we have brought his vision to life, we could not be more thankful.”
- SARA
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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A dual occupancy dwelling refers to two separate dwellings on a single lot, which can be attached or detached. On the other hand, a duplex is a type of dual occupancy where the two homes are attached, typically sharing a common wall.
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Yes, most dual occupancy projects require council approval, though regulations depend on the local council. It’s essential to consult with an architect experienced with dual occupancy work so that you can make sure you’re familiar with and can manage the specific requirements in your area.
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Every project is unique but dual occupancies and duplexes can be excellent investments. They often provide rental income, they can increase the property value and they offer flexible living arrangements as well.
READY TO EXPLORE YOUR DUAL OCCUPANCY PROJECT?
We'd love to chat to you about your project
If you’re considering a dual occupancy or duplex project, we’re here to help. Our team will work with you to create a design that meets your needs, aligns with your values and helps you embrace the lifestyle you want.
Tell us about it or give Chris a call on 0416 130 246