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Case studies

Problem-Site Duplex Case Studies

The constrained blocks are where architecture earns its keep. Each case study below sets out the Issue, our Strategy, and the Outcome, with the render as the visual result.

Architect-designed duplex on a corner block, Port Hacking Road Caringbah South (Sutherland Shire)

Caringbah South · Sutherland Shire · DA

Caringbah South dual occupancy on a constrained corner

Issue:
A prominent corner allotment in the Sutherland Shire with dual-street frontage, tight setback controls and a streetscape the council watches closely, the kind of block where a generic plan invites objections.
Strategy:
We resolved the two street frontages with a considered corner address, articulated the facade to satisfy the DCP, and arranged the two dwellings so each keeps private open space and solar access without overlooking neighbours.
Outcome:
An architect-designed dual occupancy that reads as one refined building from both streets, approvable, liveable and a credit to the corner.
Architect-designed duplex, street facade, Beach Street Blakehurst (Georges River)

Blakehurst · Georges River · DA

Blakehurst duplex balancing privacy and outlook

Issue:
A Georges River block where privacy to adjoining properties and cross-viewing between the two dwellings had to be resolved without giving up the outlook that makes the site valuable.
Strategy:
Window positions, screening and the internal planning were arranged so each dwelling gets light and view while overlooking is controlled, supported by a clear axonometric to show council exactly how the massing sits on the block.
Outcome:
A calm, contemporary duplex that protects neighbour amenity and still captures the outlook, documented so the assessment is straightforward.
Architect-designed duplex, Ridgewell Street Roselands (Canterbury-Bankstown)

Roselands · Canterbury-Bankstown · DA

Roselands dual occupancy on a standard suburban lot

Issue:
A typical Canterbury-Bankstown lot where the numbers (floor space ratio, setbacks, private open space and solar access) all had to work together for two dwellings without crowding the site.
Strategy:
We tested the envelope early, balanced the two footprints against the DCP controls, and shaped the roof and openings so both homes get north light and usable yards.
Outcome:
A well-proportioned dual occupancy that maximises the lot while staying comfortably inside the controls, a clean path to approval.
Architect-designed duplex, daytime render, Hannans Road Narwee (Georges River)

Narwee · Georges River · DA

Narwee dual occupancy designed for the streetscape

Issue:
An established Narwee street where the new duplex had to sit comfortably among single dwellings without dominating the frontage, a common trigger for neighbour objections.
Strategy:
We broke down the apparent bulk with a considered roof form, landscaped setback and material palette that references the street, so the two dwellings read as a single, well-mannered home.
Outcome:
A dual occupancy that lifts the street rather than fighting it, the kind of contextual design that assessors and neighbours accept.
Architect-designed duplex, Ellis Street Concord (City of Canada Bay)

Concord · City of Canada Bay · DA

Concord dual occupancy with a refined street address

Issue:
A City of Canada Bay street with a strong existing character, where facade articulation and proportion mattered as much as the planning numbers.
Strategy:
We designed a restrained, well-proportioned frontage with genuine articulation and quality materials, keeping the two dwellings balanced and the streetscape intact.
Outcome:
An elevated dual occupancy that respects its context and adds value, documented to make the assessment straightforward.
Architect-designed duplex, Benelong Crescent Bellevue Hill (Woollahra)

Bellevue Hill · Woollahra · DA

Bellevue Hill dual occupancy on a premium eastern-suburbs block

Issue:
A premium Woollahra address where design quality, proportion and materials had to meet a high bar while still working two dwellings onto the block.
Strategy:
We resolved a sophisticated, contemporary facade with careful massing and a considered material palette, keeping both dwellings generous and private.
Outcome:
A refined eastern-suburbs dual occupancy that reads as a single premium residence, design-led and approval-ready.
Architect-designed duplex, dusk facade, Boden Avenue Strathfield

Strathfield · Strathfield · DA

Strathfield dual occupancy with a striking night presence

Issue:
A Strathfield block where the client wanted genuine street presence and a facade that performs day and night, without overbuilding the site.
Strategy:
We composed a layered facade with considered lighting and materials, balancing presence with the setbacks and open space the controls require.
Outcome:
A confident dual occupancy with real kerb appeal, the render shows the night presence the client was after.
Architect-designed duplex, front elevation, Prospect Road Prospect (Blacktown)

Prospect · Blacktown · DA

Prospect dual occupancy with a resolved rear garden and pool

Issue:
A Blacktown block where both dwellings needed genuine outdoor amenity, usable rear gardens, a pool and northern light, without compressing the internal planning.
Strategy:
We planned the two dwellings around the rear open space first, held a generous landscaped setback to the street, and tuned the facade so the pair reads as one confident home in morning and evening light.
Outcome:
A dual occupancy that delivers real backyard living on a suburban lot, resolved front and back, day and night.

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