Duplexity

Duplexity is a dual occupancy property in Little Bay, NSW. Drawing on the idea of breaking the monotony of the streetscape, seeking to find identify for each side under one site. Using bricks through its pixelation, different colours and transparency create a continuous organic skin that shapes space bringing an enhanced quality fit to be inhabited both externally in the courtyard or internally on its double height relationships. An experience animated through natural light creates a surreal atmosphere full of views of the sky, the fifth facade element.  An ambience of inspiration, an architecture of contrast such as life. Avoiding the generic quality of everyday modernity, hoping to bring a desire to recharge and shelter. Using two colours of the same brick heightened the notion of having separate dwellings creating a sense of ownership and individuality, a much-need value on a street where the result is the consequence of a fierce market and overregulation, where all looks the same and must be made in the cheapest possible way. The brickwork allowed for a crafted architectural form with accents of ornamented timeless tradition, permanence and flexibility to achieve the challenge of building an organic shape. The goal was to create a bespoke look and feel for a commercial project with a tight budget and rigid guidelines. Through an architectural strategy and mindset that prioritises the end-user quality of living, one can confirm it is possible to create good design and bespoke details without having to break the bank.  Photography: MOWA