Relic House
A considered dual occupancy shaped by light, privacy and shared identity
A dual living model
Designed as a dual residence (a.k.a duplex, dual occ, dual occupancy), Relic House provides a source of income for the owners who occupy one residence and rent the other, a pragmatic solution in today’s economic climate.
A series of North-South blade walls allow for a cohesive yet distinct identity for each home, creatively giving the owners and their tenants a sense of individual homes while keeping a unity to the design of the entire building.
Function-led design
The form and appearance don’t take precedence over functionality, each home has been designed with thought and care to maximise comfort and use.
The backyards face South, but the inclusion of “Winter rooms” on the upper level ensures that residents can bask in the northern sunlight during the cooler months.
In one of the residences, a central courtyard serves as an additional outdoor space, allowing Northern light to flood the living areas and enhancing day to day life within the home’s walls.
Material and landscape
Aesthetically intriguing and affordable, the walls are built from cost-effective concrete bricks. Their grey is contrast by rust-coloured weatherboard, a palette reminiscent of an aged and timeless relic.
All part of the plan, green vines climb a trellis that invites nature to partake in the architecture, softening the building’s stark materials and harmonising it with nature, as if it were not a modern building, but a part of the landscape all along.
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Dual residence configuration allowing one dwelling to be occupied and the other rented
North–South blade walls creating distinct identities for each home while maintaining overall cohesion
“Winter rooms” positioned on the upper level to capture northern sunlight
Central courtyard in one residence bringing light into living areas
Functional planning prioritising comfort and everyday use
Material palette of concrete brick and rust-coloured weatherboard
Trellis supporting climbing vegetation to soften the built form
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Design response to southern-facing backyards through introduction of northern-oriented spaces
Use of blade walls to manage separation and identity within a dual occupancy
Integration of courtyard planning to improve natural light internally
Use of cost-effective construction materials
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Architect Ironbark Architecture
Lead architect Chris Freeburn
Builder Hacio Building
Photography Jake Pascoe Media
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Tell us about it or give Chris a call on 0416 130 246