Many new townhouses are designed simply to maximise yield, leading to pokey unit crammed onto the site. Bluebird Duplex in Barwon Heads, designed by Altereco is a delightful exception, where the two homes feel light-filled and spacious...
The first difference between Bluebird Duplex and your average townhouse development is the street frontage. There's no common driveway here, both homes have their own street frontage, giving each its own sense of address. Each townhouse has a site area of 400 square metres, so they're far from cramped. Clad in timber battens, the homes feel relaxed and contemporary, perfect for their beach town locale.
Designed for two architectural photographers, the townhouse development reflects their adventurous spirit and fun nature. The brief was for two townhouses, each with three bedrooms, a study, plenty of natural light, space and ventilation with a minimal impact on the adjoining homes. The designers worked hard to reflect the clients' personalities in the design, creating bright, contemporary interiors.
Altereco developed a mirrored plan, with the study located at the front, perfect for a home office and an effective buffer from the busy street.
Dealing with an unfavourable orientation, on the east-west block, Altereco designed a raked ceiling with clerestory windows over the living areas to bring in natural light. Combined with the polished concrete floors, this natural light helps to keep the home warm in winter.
A courtyard adjoining the living areas encourages cross-flow ventilation and admits additional natural light to these important spaces.
Altereco's design shows that townhouse developments don't need to be sterile and driven only by maximising yield. By infusing a bit of clever and thoughtful design, you can also create beautiful, light-filled homes.
