Today in the real estate market you can find several dozen different types of houses, among them the so-called duplex houses. First appeared in the UK, nowadays duplexes have gained wide popularity in Western Europe and the countries of the post-Soviet space.
Modern projects of duplexes amaze with their variety: frame or brick, but always comfortable, equipped with all communications, a backyard and a garage. Such houses can be an excellent solution for those who prefer to live economically, but with taste. About what is a duplex at home, what are the pros and cons of this type of construction and what projects you can count on, today its readers will tell "The House of Dreams".
Projects of duplexes
What is a duplex house
Duplex house, in fact, is a twin cottage designed for two families. The interior space of this house is divided into two independent parts, each of which is equipped with the necessary communications. In this cottage there are two independent entrances, and both halves of the duplex are considered to be individual apartment houses, to which a small private territory adjoins( as a rule, not more than 8 acres).
What is a duplex house
House duplex for two families
Advantages and disadvantages of duplex houses
Although externally duplexes are very similar to individual houses, the advantages of such structures are obvious.
- First, duplex houses are considered one of the most economical types of residential real estate. Typically, their cost is 25% lower than conventional private homes. The price reduction is achieved by saving on construction. The total roof, less heating costs, a unified communication system - all this indicates the obvious benefit of duplexes.
- Secondly, duplexes - this is one of these types of houses in which you can live individually and together at the same time. On the one hand, a duplex house allows you to unite under one roof one large family, close friends or just strangers who are not used to being alone;on the other hand - each half of the house is completely autonomous, which does not violate the personal life of the family.
- Thirdly, duplexes are the best option for those who wish to make the most efficient use of the territory, which is especially important for owners of small plots. A single wall between two houses allows to increase the useful area of the plot.
However, duplex houses are not without drawbacks. The main disadvantage of such houses can be a malevolent neighborhood. Of course, from neighbors it is possible to fence off a high fence, however in a duplex house it can not solve all problems. Owners always need to coordinate with each other any work related to changing the external facade of the house. And this very often causes conflict situations between neighbors.
Features of the construction of duplex houses
Despite the fact that duplexes look very similar to ordinary private houses, it is important to take into account some of the nuances during their construction. The main rule by which the architect of a duplex should be guided is full autonomy and equal conditions of residing of owners of "collective" cottage. This rule should be reflected in any project of a duplex house. It should be taken into account in the construction and placement of duplex on the site, as well as when designing an external design.
Orientation on site
Such houses can have any shape, however the most profitable projects are duplexes for two families, which have a shape as close to a square as possible. Typically, such projects require a long common wall, and the three sides of the house of both residents remain open to sunlight.
A special place in the design of a duplex house is its orientation on the site. When the house is located, it is important to ensure that the windows of one owner are oriented exclusively to the north, and the other - to the south. In this case, the principle of equality of living conditions in a duplex house will be violated.
Duplex projects with garage
Duplex house designs
Construction work
The construction of duplex is not much different from the construction of ordinary private houses. But still, this process has some peculiarities. When building "collective" cottages it is always worth remembering that duplex is a single house. Therefore, all of its supporting structures must be erected simultaneously. You can not install only a part of the roof, fill half the basement, build one wall from brick, and the second one from concrete, etc. Such inconsistencies not only introduce disharmony into the appearance of the house, but also violate its design, as a result of which the house will become unfit for habitation.
External design of duplex
If the design of the interior of the duplex is completely dependent on the personal preferences of its occupants, then the exterior decoration of such a house should be a single composition. By mutual consent of neighbors, the external design of duplex houses can be made in any style. In recent years, the owners of duplexes, paying a tribute to fashion, design their homes in American style, high-tech or modern style. However, everything depends on the personal preferences and financial capabilities of the owners of the duplex.
Duplex project for two families with garages
Appearance of duplex house photo
Interior layout features of duplexes
The layout of duplex houses, regardless of the cost of projects, is always convenient and functional. In each half of the house is necessarily provided with a bathroom, kitchen, living room, bedroom. Traditionally on the first floor there is a kitchen, a living room and a garage, and the second floor is occupied by bedrooms, a bathroom and a bathroom. In addition, at the discretion of the customer, in a ready-made duplex project, such facilities as a billiard room, a home gym, a living room with a winter garden can be provided.
The most common are duplexes with a mirror layout. As a rule, such projects are much cheaper for owners. Saving money is already at the construction stage and is achieved through typing solutions. However, nothing prevents the owners of duplexes from making different layouts. The main condition-rooms of the second floor of one family should not be located above the rooms of the first floor of the second family.
Duplex layout
Internal design of duplex
The most common duplex projects
All duplex projects can be divided into two types:
- economy class
- luxury class
Duplex houses of economy class are designed for small families with an average level of income. As a rule, such houses have a small area and are built of budgetary building materials. These include frame duplexes and duplexes from glued beams. Projects of economy class provide for a mirror layout and the availability of only the most necessary premises.
Duplex luxury homes can be not only two-story, but also three-story. Usually, such houses are built of expensive materials, for example, from bricks. On the ground floor there is a garage and ancillary facilities, and the second and third floors are occupied by bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom, living room. The area of duplexes of a class lux provides presence of additional premises - a terrace, a billiard room, a sauna, etc.
Projects of duplexes photo
As you can see, modern duplex projects are diverse and multifaceted. They are simply created for those people who love communication and prefer to live sparingly, but with taste!
