In areas surrounding Byron Bay, where the demand for housing has reached unprecedented levels, Ziggy’s Villas exemplify innovative approaches to achieving density on a 710m2 suburban block just a short 50m stroll from the beach. These interconnected residences comprise two 3-bedroom dwellings, each featuring its own garden, pool and a two-car garage, situated on a small north-east facing plot in the laid-back suburb of Suffolk Park. A key focus during the design process was to strike a delicate balance, preserving the relaxed ambiance of the low-key locale while addressing the pressing need for increased density in a region accustomed to conventional single-dwelling homes on standard-sized blocks. This delicate equilibrium was maintained by ensuring the two dwellings presented themselves as distinct entities with individual street frontages. This was achieved through the articulated facade as well as having the driveway access on two different roads and taking advantage of the corner block.
At a time where there are a lot of conversations about how to improve density in areas that are booming and where there are significant housing shortages. Ziggys villas are a great example of gradual densification as well as how to respect the scale and maintain the charm of the neighborhood.
Built during the pandemic, surging material costs and demand-related shortages prompted the client, a builder, to explore alternative solutions, particularly in commercial construction methods. Opting for blockwork and suspended slabs, as opposed to timber frame construction, proved cost-effective as concrete costs had not experienced a significant upswing, and were still readily available. The project strategically omitted certain finishes, such as plasterboard and reducing tiling, to streamline the construction process by minimizing the number of trades involved. Textured renders, wet area renders, and readily available fixtures and fittings replaced these elements, resulting in a material palette that not only ensured durability but also imbued the attached dwellings with a playful aesthetic, especially evident in features like the miss brick screen.
To help with privacy from the heavy traffic at the beach track across the road. a solid textured red brick fence that wraps the perimeter of the site and was envisioned to nestle into the verdant landscape. Walking through the fence there is a walled garden, plunge pool, and double-height outdoor room and an outdoor shower designed for the ritual of washing your sandy feet after the beach.The double-height hit-and-miss brick screen over the outdoor room, filled with landscape in the built-in planters, gives the impression that the lush surroundings seamlessly continue into the kitchen, living, and dining room spaces. This was to blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor, fostering an open and inviting atmosphere in the public areas of the residences. The double-height configuration allows northern light to filter through the brick screen, casting a delightful luminosity throughout the space, complementing the coastal ambiance of the area.
