Australian Home Design: Mixing it up

An innovative dual occupancy project sets out to challenge design conventions in downtown Geelong.

You can listen to the podcast of Ed's interview with Light Home editor Amanda Falconer here.

When Melbourne architect Ed Ewers spotted a flat suburban block in Geelong that had been vacant for 30 years, he decided that a dual occupancy home that pushed the boundaries was the best choice.

Thinking outside the box

“Best design principles usually involve getting living and outdoor areas fronting that aspect,” he says.“Instead, we’ve staggered the front yard – there’s a low section on the street without a fence and then an enclosed garden courtyard beyond that which opens into the main living space through sliding doors.”

“People usually feel that a home should have a private, secluded open space where you can do whatever you choose,” says Ewers.

“But they [the council] flipped their decision after accepting that there was still a large garden at the back of the block where all privacy is protected.”

Here comes the sun

“All primary living areas are at the front, with driveways down the outside boundaries of the two-storey building, which is split down the middle and is centred on the lot.”

“The front courtyards are permeable, with a deck, built-in barbeque and provide reasonable privacy,” he says.

Two in one

“We wanted the project to read as one building, but also as two; we wanted a quite common aesthetic to all,” says Ewers.

“Using a lightweight construction approach means you save time and costs,” says Ewers.

“Straight away you eliminate a trade, saving time, and time is money. Brick is not an option.”