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An unassuming dual occupancy.A single-storey four-bedroom family home paired with a separately titled one-bedroom dwelli...
07/08/2025

An unassuming dual occupancy.

A single-storey four-bedroom family home paired with a separately titled one-bedroom dwelling - designed to sit sensitively in the street and read as one. It’s one example of how increased density in RZ1 zones can be done gently - adding housing without disrupting the character of established neighbourhoods.

This one was designed specifically for a young family in the larger dwelling, with flexibility built in - from renting out the second smaller dwelling, to housing parents or adult offspring later on, or even selling one or both down the track. Either way, it’s two homes meeting two different needs, on the same block. They can function entirely independently and privately from one another, or be used together - sharing outdoor spaces and adapting as life changes.

DA approved and gearing up for construction soon.

Not your normal dual occupancy.A project exploring how existing owner-led urban infill can support more affordable, flex...
16/04/2025

Not your normal dual occupancy.

A project exploring how existing owner-led urban infill can support more affordable, flexible housing outcomes.

✅ Subdivided before construction
✅ Two separate owner-occupiers
✅ Two independent designs
✅ Two separate builders
✅ Two separate finance arrangements
✅ Two separate construction timelines
✅ No developer margins
✅ Lower stamp duty
✅ Each home tailored precisely to its occupant’s needs

The result:
🏡 A 7.9-star single-storey home — a more conventional design for the original owner to age in place; and
🏠 A 7.5-star two-storey home — a more playful design for a growing family

This kind of owner-led urban infill model is important. It allows existing homeowners to stay in the neighbourhoods they love as they age, by subdividing their land to help finance a healthier, more energy-efficient, and accessible home — on a smaller, more manageable block.

At the same time, it creates opportunities for others — like young families — to access more affordable land in established suburbs, and design a home tailored to their needs.

This model isn’t suited to developers — it does take longer. It simply creates another pathway for the broader community — especially homeowners seeking practical, affordable ways to age in place.

The traditional model is still better suited to developers, who continue to play an important role in delivering housing at scale.

🗣 This wasn’t always possible. We challenged the planning system, and the conversations that followed helped shape the rule changes now in place.
We’re proud of that — and excited to see these homes taking shape.

This home was designed for a growing young family, with adaptable living spaces to facilitate changing needs over time, ...
19/03/2023

This home was designed for a growing young family, with adaptable living spaces to facilitate changing needs over time, secluded guest accomodation for visiting parents and office space for their family business.

With north to the street, the design utilises the wide frontage of the shallow block to maximise this optimal aspect for passive heating opportunities in winter, with appropriate external shading for summer and privacy maintained by the northern courtyard.

A ‘maintenance-free’ facade with no applied finishes featuring chillingham white face brickwork, castellated cladding and monument interloQ cladding. The interiors with a complementary material palette beautifully selected by the talented .

Expertly crafted by and their skilled team, the attention to detail is exceptional, particularly in creating water-tight construction and still delivering this home in a timely manner despite supply, cost and labour shortage challenges in the industry.

As always, very grateful for the opportunity and trust the owners have put in us to to create their family home.

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Canberra, ACT

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