Architect and builder duo Sally Meaton and Karl Whitehead have brought their vision of a dream family home to life, while also contributing to the growing trend of increasing housing density and diversity in the region. 

Their latest creation, a newly constructed semi-detached dual occupancy home at 7A Federal Street in Minnamurra, showcases their commitment to efficiency, low maintenance, and harmonious integration of natural light and native landscaping. The home is currently on the market representing a unique opportunity for buyers.

Recognising the potential of duplex housing as a solution to the escalating demand for housing, especially in areas with limited land availability and rising property prices, the duo embarked on this project to maximise space utilisation. Duplexes provide two separate homes on a single property, making them an ideal choice for optimising land use.

Purchased in 2019, the block presented a prime opportunity for the duo to design and build their ideal family home. Drawing on their extensive experience living and working in the eastern and inner western suburbs of Sydney, where terrace housing is prevalent, they applied their expertise to create a unique duplex in Minnamurra.

After relocating to the South Coast with their young children in the months following the second COVID lockdown, the couple completed the duplex in 18 months. The clever spatial arrangement of the home provides ample space, featuring three bedrooms, an office, a separate lounge, and a combined kitchen and dining area that seamlessly transitions to the rear yard. Additionally, a spacious room beneath the garage offers versatility, suitable for use as a gym, workshop, home office, or storage for water sports equipment.

From the street, the duplex presents as a pair of white brick, double-storey homes with gable roofs. The interior floor plan spans three levels, offering visual connections to the green roof and convenient access from the dining area to the deck and garden. The north-east facing split-level design emphasises natural light and showcases high-quality finishes. Double-height ceilings in the kitchen and dining areas enhance the sense of space and openness.

The use of durable materials, including double brick, burnished concrete floors, wool carpet, and native plants, underscores the home's resilience and low-maintenance design - ideal for its river and beachside location. Comfort features such as underfloor heating, double glazing, cross ventilation, and integrated air conditioning further enhance the living experience. 

Meaton says, “We reused the timber joists and bearers from the existing house for the stair battens,” thereby retaining some of the original flavour.

This is the couple’s second project together, following the success of their first – a rammed earth cabin in the Blue Mountains, which has been featured in Green Magazine and The Local Project.

Content and settled by the river, Meaton and Whitehead are embracing the Minnamurra lifestyle, enjoying the fruits of their architectural and building expertise in a home that exemplifies modern, sustainable living.

For more information about the property, go to the First National Coast & Country website. Any questions can be directed to real estate agent, Aimee Longbottom at: 0414 615 400.