aokoh

Duplex is a compact, two-unit dwelling that emerged from the reconsideration of an underutilized suburban plot. Initially intended for a single home, the discovery that the site could support two units shifted the project’s trajectory — turning a modest idea into an efficient solution.

Formally, Duplex plays with ambiguity. It reads as one house, but lives as two. The mirrored geometry hints at symmetry, yet subtle shifts — dictated by solar orientation — create deliberate imbalance. The distinctive sawtooth roofline is a passive strategy, maximizing solar energy throughout the day.

The construction is a hybrid system: a robust, recycled concrete base anchors the structure, while a lightweight timber volume above lifts the living spaces above the base. This duality — in form, material, and function — defines it's spirit.