Merewether Duplex
















Awards:
Winner of the 2010 MBA Hunter Award in the Medium Density Dual Occupancy Category

Project Description:
The Merewether residence maximises the potential of its site while delivering the comfort and functionality demanded by a challenging brief. The client was owner-developer, seeking to build a duplex of which one would be retained as a personal residence while the other would be rented out. They requested an emphasis on views and detailing, however with two young children there was also a desire that the project not be too ‘monumental’ and retain a family ambience.

The duplex retained for the personal residence unfolds over three storeys. The entry level consists of garage, study and storage, while the 2nd floor includes 3 bedrooms with ensuites as well as a theatre room. An open plan kitchen/dining/living area commands the upper level of the residence, which also incorporates a decked area to take advantage of the impressive views across Merewether Beach and beyond. Privacy screens around the deck and a pool in the garden pool complete the luxury presentation of this oustanding home. 

The residence places an emphasis on entertaining and liveability, with high quality materials used throughout, including caesarstone and kurlite tiles. The unusual layout, with living areas on the upper level rather than sleeping areas, provides a deliberate contrast to standard floor plans and uncategorically states that this view is to be capitilised on during daylight rather than overlooked – literally – at night. 

The scope included the demolition of the original weatherboard house on site and, as would be expected in this suburb, mine subsidence issues and the fall of the site posed significant construction challenges. These were resolved through exemplary planning and communication between all construction representatives. 

Architect's Comments:
I have engaged N & B Russell for the construction of homes on several occasions and it is without hesitation that I recommend N & B Russell to my clients for cost effective and quality workmanship. Their impressive standard of workmanship is evident on our recent project, a new duplex in Merewether.  The people at N & B Russell were willing to listen to and address concerns raised during the construction stage and innovative in their approach to problem solving on site. Jon Webber, Architect