SUNSHINE PAIR

MIAMI, QUEENSLAND

This side-by-side duplex pair addresses the challenge of delivering quality family housing on a compact 405 square meter site in Miami on the Gold Coast. The project responds to the area's growing demand for well-designed medium-density housing that doesn't compromise on liveability or comfort.

The facade employs horizontal timber battens to balance natural light with privacy—a key consideration for duplex living. This screening system allows generous glazing while maintaining visual separation from neighbouring dwellings and from the street. The battens filter harsh sunlight while creating shifting shadow patterns that animate interior spaces throughout the day.

Each dwelling maximizes its footprint through open-plan living areas that flow to covered outdoor terraces. This indoor-outdoor integration extends the living space and takes advantage of the Gold Coast's subtropical climate, where outdoor areas function as habitable rooms year-round. Multiple living zones accommodate both formal entertaining and casual family life.

The material palette draws from coastal and tropical influences, featuring warm timber, natural stone, and concrete flooring and benchtops. The consistent material language across interior and exterior spaces creates architectural cohesion. These natural materials respond well to the coastal climate and provide the luxurious feel sought by executive families.

Practical considerations include single garages and covered carports for each dwelling, accommodating two vehicles per household without overwhelming the site. This parking solution maintains an active street frontage while meeting modern family needs.

Landscape integration plays a crucial role on this constrained site. Strategic planting creates privacy buffers, provides passive cooling, and establishes visual connections to nature. The planting strategy works with the architecture to create homes that feel spacious despite their compact urban context.

The project demonstrates how thoughtful planning and quality materials can deliver luxury family living within medium-density development. Each dwelling provides the space, comfort, and amenities expected by discerning families while contributing positively to Miami's evolving residential character. The result is architecture that responds to both family needs and the coastal environment, creating homes that are both practical and refined.