Luminous Tide Duplex

In Sydney, from a feasibility perspective, an increasing number of people are opting to build duplexes. Privacy and comfort are key considerations in residential design, and these factors require even more careful consideration when designing a duplex. For this duplex design, the client wishes to ensure sufficient room numbers while maintaining the privacy and comfort of both indoor and outdoor living spaces. However, the 3-meter height difference from front to back of the site has presented many challenges for our design.

To address these challenges and enhance both uniqueness and functionality, we have incorporated several key elements such as atriums, courtyards, light wells, and additional lighting surfaces, while emphasizing the integration of interior and exterior spaces.

Atrium Design: The atrium serves as a multifunctional open space for the residence. It not only enhances natural indoor lighting but also creates a tranquil green space where residents can relax and unwind. The atrium is designed to provide a visual focal point while promoting air circulation.

Privacy Considerations: Unlike a traditional large backyard, the height difference with neighboring properties and the shared walls typical of duplexes mean that standard-height fences may not effectively ensure privacy. Additionally, we aim to avoid excessive height differences between the front and rear areas of the house.

Dynamic Relationships: The use of layered design creates more dynamic relationships between indoor and outdoor spaces. The courtyard, an important design element in contemporary compact townhouses, provides a more private outdoor space for family gatherings and children's play, enhancing the home's privacy while allowing natural light and fresh air to enter. It can also function as a light well, adding extra light surfaces and offering additional possibilities for side room layouts.

Integration of Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: The integration of indoor and outdoor spaces is also a key consideration. We use large glass doors and windows strategically placed to blend the private spaces we create, providing seamless transitions that enhance the sense of openness and continuity. This approach allows the interior and exterior environments to complement each other, improving the overall living experience of the home.

Exterior Design: For the exterior design, we aim to use contemporary streamlined elements combined with traditional residential features. We use soft, neutral tones and streamline the building’s lines. The two wings of the duplex are separated and connected by a curved element that highlights the differences between the two units. The streamlined flower beds integrated with the main elements also help to mitigate the site's ground level differences.

Design Philosophy: Our philosophy is not to create uniqueness by forcing differences but to integrate the site's environment and the users' inherent needs, allowing the design to emerge naturally from these factors. By incorporating contemporary architectural elements, we aim to create a space that is not only visually appealing and aesthetically pleasing but also practical and comfortable for its users.