Located in the heart of one of Thornbury most desirable pockets is a modern family home that shares it’s block with its twin investment property. Appearing to be almost identical these striking dark and light dwellings combine to create a unified development allowing for the site to be maximized for the client living there for the long term, whilst supplying an additional income stream through the second abode & housing options for the broader community. The concept was to provide the young family with their modern dream home, in conjunction with using the additional leftover space for a rental property.

The two dwellings are set down in the landscape, ensuring the double-storey dwellings remain respectful of the neighbourhood heights. The light-coloured façade faces north and minimalistic forms capture & reflect light, presenting a contemporary face to the street, which is paired back and elegant. Black trims and metal fins screen the upper floors for privacy and protection from the afternoon sun, whilst framing openings and entryways. A push and pull between the residences creates a distinction between each home, conforming with setbacks to the neighbours on either side and reducing building mass.

These homes share common walls whilst remaining independent of one another by the central driveway that leads to the basement for private off-street car parking. This separation also maintains the adequate distance between the two homes and reduces shadowing. The main house consists of 4 bed, 3 bathroom layout, with guest bedroom and open plan living, dining, and kitchen opening out to an ample outdoor terrace and yard. Upstairs an adults retreat with walk-in robe and luxury ensuite

A south-facing yard is maximized with plenty of generous windows to the rear of each home, absorbing winter sun where possible and absorbing the easter light as it tracks around the sides, where the interior voids & skylights capture & project the light throughout the interiors.

Stylish drama for entertaining with built-in practicalities for family living is design direction of the luxury interiors to these homes. The white and grey palette emphasizes a light and airy quality, with dramatic stone choices and curved features which are family-friendly and organic softening the harder surfaces. Inclusions of extensive joinery along the open plan living, dining, and kitchen with a full laundry and butler’s pantry in proximity means this well-used area can be free from clutter with a multitude of storage options for great functionality.

Upstairs, the master suite is separated from the children’s bedrooms via the hallway and stairwell. Between these rooms, dramatic stone-lined bathrooms with black tapware and skylights provide tranquil places for rest and relaxation.