The unique aspect of this project is the narrow nature of the site. Two semi-detached units have been designed within a total site width of 12 metres. This means that each unit is no wider than a double garage!
The challenge was increased by the fact that the narrow frontage faced north, making it more difficult to create a development that attained a high level of sustainability.
The small courtyards of each unit allow the maximum exposure of each room to light, a view to the lap pool and to a northerly aspect. Font and rear courtyards create a sense of openness that belies the narrow nature of the site. to increase flexibility of use the garages have been finished to a high level so that they can double as an extension of the rear deck via cafe doors that open to the deck.

CASE STUDY

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A pair of two-storey townhouses have been created on a block of land that is, each, no wider than a double garage. Each house is 200 square metres in area and comprises 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study, open plan living/dining and kitchen with double garage and lap pool. The building is of steel frame construction with polished concrete floors on both levels. They have been developed to a high level of sustainability using solar passive principles and low maintenance materials. The courtyard design allows almost all spaces to have a northerly aspect.

SUSTAINABLE FEATURES

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• ​Plan shape to optimise solar access

• Pool waterfall creates passive cooling source

• Thermal mass in floors (polished concrete)

• Liquid pool cover reduces evaporation

• 16,000 litre rainwater tank under garage floor

• Double glazing to all windows

• 1.5 K/W photo-voltaic array

• Gas boosted solar hot water system

• Motorised solar pergola to north deck

• Thermal mass in internal walls

• Sunshading to windows

• Sweep fans

• Sloping ceilings with high level awnings

• Low flow shower heads and dual flush toilets

• Natural cross ventilation to all rooms

• High levels of insulation in walls, ceilings, roof​