New South Wales
Newcastle
Dent Street Double is a set of mirrored townhouses in the popular beachside suburb of Merewether where this typology of densification is tried and tested en masse—with little success. For our buildings with long, narrow sites oriented north toward the street, an interesting challenge emerged: organising the plan to create equally comfortable, light-filled spaces for daily coastal living in each dwelling.
A low-pitched gable roof stretches out toward the street, a gesture of protection and a reference to original weatherboard cottages of the area. Ground floor organisation provides access around each building, bringing a practical consideration of living patterns like coming home from the beach or shopping, doing the washing, relaxing on a weekend with family or finding a comfortable place to read. Overall, the strategy to produce two simple dwellings that had good amenity, were friendly to neighbours and supported a lifestyle congruent to place was successful.
Challenging the typical semi-detached model for urban infill, the Dent Street Double’s considered design generates two Torrens title homes that present an alternative to the status quo.
By rejecting the typical inclusion of double garages, Curious Practice unlock the site. Permeable paving maintains parking amenity and allows space for a generous entry sequence, opening to light-filled interiors. Kitchen, living, and dining spaces flow into the courtyard and the outdoor spaces, formed through the move to split and separate.
I approached Warren to help undertake a development on a site I owned in Merewether. I had no previous experience in this area and wasn’t sure what to expect. It was great that Curious Practice were able to achieve a Torrens title subdivision and a pair of unique homes that exceeded my expectation. Both homes feel nice with lots of light and outdoor space.
