Samurai Duplex

Architecture Residential Camberwell, Victoria, Australia

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1. Samurai armour

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2. Concept sketch

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3. Model

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4. Model

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5. Site plan

SG2 design

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6. Elevations

SG2 design

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7. Sections

SG2 design

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8. Sections

SG2 design

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9. Kitchen - unit 2

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10. Kitchen - unit 2

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11. Living room - unit 2

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12. Living room - unit 2

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13. Living room - unit 2

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14. Bedroom

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15. Kitchen - unit 2

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16. First floor corridor

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17. Main stairs

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18. Main stairs

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19. First floor corridor

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20. Bedroom 2

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21. Bathroom

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22. Bathroom

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23. Bedroom 3

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24. Ensuite

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25. Main entry

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26. Facade detail

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27. Facade detail

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28. Streetfront facade

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29. Entry facade

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30. Front facade

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31. Fireplace detail

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32. Kitchen - unit 1

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33. Living room - unit 1

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34. Entry detail - unit 1

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35. Front facade

Drone image

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36. Bird's eye view

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37. Bird's eye view

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38. Bird's eye view

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39. First Floor Plan

First Floor Plan

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40. Ground Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

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Description

Two duplex townhouses were proposed to replace an existing weatherboard house in a quiet, leafy suburban environment. The units were designed to maximise floor area while respecting the surrounding neighbourhood context.
The owner’s appreciation for Japanese culture and architecture were strong drivers for the design aesthetic.

Large skillion roofs with vast overhangs help to express forms and provide shelter from the natural elements. Chain downpipes create a point of interest upon arrival and also heighten one’s aural and sensory experience during rainy days. Glass skylights are scattered throughout bathroom and living areas, to ensure an abundance of natural light in all rooms and create a strong connection with the outdoors. Skylights located over bathtubs allow one to relax and ponder while gazing out at the clouds above.

Traditional samurai armour provided inspiration for the design aesthetic of the materials palette, which was kept simple and consists of layers of more refined finishes such as rhinezinc, terracotta and timber cladding to highlight building forms. ‘Terreal’ cladding acts as a breathable wall to increase thermal performance.
High-level clerestory windows with operable louvres allow for cross-flow ventilation and create a ‘venturi effect’ to extract heat in summer. Green roofs were originally proposed for the first roof areas to increase thermal insulation and rainwater retention, while also creating secondary “backyards” for upper living areas. Solar hot water and hydronic heating also help improve the energy efficiency.

Questions and Answers

Key products used:

Capral aluminium door and window frames;
Terreal terracotta cladding;
Zinc cladding;
Colorbond roofing;
Royal Oak timber flooring.

What was the brief?

The brief asked for low-maintenance, energy efficient units with a point of difference and uniqueness, which was addressed through solar orientation and sensitive design.

What were the key challenges?

Strict Council requirements regarding setbacks and access;
Creating large four bedroom units with multiple bathrooms and living areas that would work in harmony with the surrounding environment.

What are the sustainability features?

Solar hot water;
Hydronic heating;
Cross-flow ventilation;
Enlarged eaves;
Double-glazing.

Details

Project size 592 m2
Site size 736 m2
Completion date 2017
Building levels 2