Bluebird Duplex

Duplex townhouses in Barwon Heads on the Bellerine Peninsula.

Key products used:

Timber batten cladding details
Black stained timber lining boards internally
Colourful kitchen (laminate and plywood). Caesarstone benchtops

What building methods were used?

Lightweight timber frame on polished concrete raft slab
Good old stick frame construction
Raking skillion roof over living/dining space
Mirrored townhouse design (duplex) with minimal shared/party walls

How is the project unique?

Most duplex developments attempt to maximise yield, pushing site constraints to the limits and maximising the limitations of the planning scheme. In this case we we lucky enough to respect the predominantly single storey streetscape and create intimate spaces that are filled with natural light. With independent street frontage and each allotment over 400m2 - it’s a far from the claustrophobic sense of most townhouse developments.

Key products used:

Timber batten cladding details
Black stained timber lining boards internally
Colourful kitchen (laminate and plywood). Caesarstone benchtops

Who are the clients and what's interesting about them?

Our clients are photographers. We have a longstanding relationship with them and felt privileged to be asked to design for an architectural photographer - when you know they have so many options at their fingertips. We were also super excited, knowing that they are adventurous by nature and we could reflect that in the style.

What was the brief?

Two townhouses, three bedrooms + study, good light, space and ventilation, minimal impact on the adjoining neighbours.
The study was positioned at the front of the dwellings, ideally suited for a home office setup, also a good buffer from the relatively busy street.

What were the key challenges?

Designing to suit a flood overlay.
Orientation was not ideal. Used a skillion roof form and glazing to allow natural light in.

What were the solutions?

Lift the floor!