![It is nice to be quoted: “A skylight is a horizontal window that provides natural light into rooms and corridors that [usually] cannot have windows,” says MacInnis. “Skylights can also provide outlooks to the sky, which in itself ca](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bfb5bdfcc8fed3bb9285ae7/1651200504539-2BYM0FJWR78PZFE4IHYS/image-asset.jpeg)
In Melbourne, duplexes are becoming an innovative way for second-home buyers to maximise land value while still enjoying the lifestyle of a bespoke home. Done well, a duplex doesn’t feel like a compromise—it feels like a sanctuary. The trick lies in clever design: making the most of light, storage, gardens, and those small details that deliver a big “wow.”
1. Make Natural Light the Hero
Space is important, but light is what makes a home feel uplifting. When designing a duplex, windows, courtyards, and skylights can draw daylight deep into the home.
Corner glazing can open up living rooms.
Clerestory windows (high-level windows) bring in sun while preserving privacy.
Internal courtyards flood both sides of the home with light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.
Light is also a sustainability strategy—lowering energy use and keeping interiors healthier.
2. Design Storage That Works Harder
A duplex means you need every square metre to work overtime. Storage is where thoughtful design shines.
Under-stair cupboards can transform into pantries or wine cellars.
Concealed laundry joinery doubles as a mudroom for coats, boots, and school bags.
Garage walls fitted with vertical racks save precious floor space.
Built-in cabinetry along walls keeps living areas uncluttered and contemporary.
When storage is integrated, it doesn’t just save space—it makes a home feel calmer and more intentional.
3. Blur the Line Between Indoors and Outdoors
Melbourne’s changing seasons don’t stop us from wanting a strong garden connection. A well-designed duplex allows for indoor–outdoor living that feels natural.
Sliding or bi-fold doors create alfresco dining zones.
Green walls or pocket courtyards bring nature right into kitchens or bathrooms.
Landscaped front entries can turn even a compact block into a welcoming arrival.
It’s about designing gardens not just as backyards, but as part of the living experience.
4. Prioritise Privacy and Acoustic Comfort
Sharing a wall doesn’t mean sharing your life. Smart design ensures privacy.
Double-brick or acoustic wall systems reduce sound transfer.
Windows positioned to avoid direct views into neighbours’ homes maintain a sense of retreat.
Separate outdoor spaces give each side of the duplex its own breathing room.
Privacy means you get all the efficiency of a shared block without feeling overlooked.
5. Create a “Wow” Moment
Every home deserves a feature that makes you pause. In duplexes, this can be subtle or dramatic:
A double-height void with a floating staircase
A bold kitchen island that anchors the open-plan living space
A sculptural pendant light draws the eye upward
Landscaping that frames the home beautifully from the street
It’s about designing one focal point that sets your home apart and creates lasting value.
Sneak Peek Ideas for Duplex Living
If you’re dreaming about your own duplex, here are some design ideas to spark your imagination:
Storage: secret pantry doors, underfloor storage in bedrooms, ceiling-hung drying racks.
Wow factor: cantilevered upper floors, exposed timber beams, statement lighting.
Light: skylights over stairwells, glazed balustrades, internal lightwells.
Garden inside: atriums, vertical gardens, green “nooks” under stairs.
Final Word
Duplex design isn’t about compromise—it’s about balance. When you combine thoughtful planning with creative flair, you can have a home that feels generous, connected, and uniquely yours.
Working with a local architect who understands Melbourne’s blocks, orientation, and council overlays is key. At Mark MacInnis Architect, we design duplexes that don’t just fit the land—they fit the life you want to live.