Dual Occupancy & Duplex Design
Building Design Services | Sunshine Coast
DraftRoom provides considered dual occupancy and duplex design across the Sunshine Coast, Noosa and Moreton Bay, from early site feasibility through concept design, consultant coordination and detailed working drawings.
A successful dual occupancy starts with more than fitting two floor plans onto a block.
Before we design, we consider the planning pathway, lot size and frontage, access, parking, setbacks, private open space, orientation, privacy, services and the relationship between the two dwellings.
Depending on the site and applicable planning requirements, the best response may be attached, detached, side-by-side or arranged differently to take advantage of the property.
The aim is to create two well-resolved homes, not simply divide the available land in half.
Early feasibility helps identify the opportunities and constraints before significant time and money are committed to the design.
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Planning a Dual Occupancy?
A smarter way to plan your dual occupancy
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Understand the site potential
Review planning controls, frontage, access, services and site constraints early to establish what the property can realistically accommodate.
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Design two better homes
Balance privacy, orientation, parking, outdoor space and everyday function so each dwelling works well in its own right.
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Resolve constraints early
Test setbacks, access, services, planning and construction requirements while the design is still flexible and easier to refine.
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Move forward with clarity
Progress with coordinated drawings that give planners, builders, consultants and certifiers clear information to assess, price and build from.
Frequently Asked Questions
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“Duplex” is a common term used to describe two dwellings on one property, while dual occupancy is commonly used in planning and development terminology. The exact definition and requirements depend on the relevant planning scheme and proposed development.
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That depends on the site's zoning, lot size, frontage, access, overlays and applicable planning controls. We recommend an initial site assessment before commencing detailed design.
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Not always. The assessment pathway depends on the property and whether the proposal satisfies the relevant planning requirements. Some projects may follow a simpler pathway, while others require a Development Application and town planning input.
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Potentially. Whether an attached or detached arrangement is appropriate depends on the site, planning controls, access and project objectives. We consider the best arrangement as part of the early design process.
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Yes. The two homes do not necessarily need to be identical. Different configurations can respond to orientation, frontage, privacy, target occupants or investment objectives.
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No. If you already have consultants, we're happy to coordinate with them. Alternatively, we can provide referrals to experienced town planners, surveyors, engineers, certifiers, energy assessors and other specialists from our consultant network.
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Yes, a detailed contour and feature survey will generally be required so the design can accurately respond to property boundaries, levels, services and existing site conditions.
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Yes. We regularly work with homeowners, builders and residential developers and can incorporate builder input, construction requirements and preliminary pricing as the design develops.
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A typical project progresses from feasibility and concept design through plans, elevations, sections and 3D views into detailed working drawings suitable for consultant coordination, construction pricing and building certification.
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Fees depend on the site, planning pathway, project complexity and level of documentation required. Once we understand the property and objectives, we can prepare a detailed fee proposal outlining the stages and services included.
Free Site Assessment
DraftRoom offer a no obligation, free Site Assessment to help you identify opportunities, constraints, and the development potential of your property. Learn more
