When One Home Becomes Two: The Smart Appeal of Duplex Living

When Jacquie and Ian found their section, they didn’t just see a patch of land; they saw potential. The site was unit-capable, meaning it could accommodate two connected homes. Rather than build one large property, they took a more strategic approach: create a duplex — two independent homes within one thoughtfully designed structure.

“It just made sense,” says Ian. “To make the best use of the section, and, you know, potentially be able to make some money out of it too, it was better to build two houses rather than one.”

It turned out to be the perfect combination of lifestyle and long-term value. Once complete, they sold one home, offsetting the cost of their build while retaining a high-quality residence of their own. “It worked really well for us,” Ian adds. “It’s a great way of reducing the overall cost of your side of it… I’d be happy to do it again.”

Designing Two Homes, One Vision

From the very beginning, Jacquie and Ian were clear on what they wanted: two complete homes that felt like neighbours, not halves. Each needed its own character, privacy, and sense of flow, while still feeling cohesive in design.

Working closely with Fraser Mackenzie and Carolyn McIsaac from David Reid Homes Queenstown, and architect Artur from Artectus, they developed a mirrored plan that balanced form and function beautifully. David Reid Homes managed the build, while Artur helped bring their architectural vision to life.

Each home spans around 250 square metres, with slight points of difference. The couple’s side was designed as a long-term residence: a three-level home featuring an open-plan living space, spacious bedrooms, and a top-floor retreat complete with an office overlooking Jack’s Point and a hidden bookshelf door leading into the bedroom.

The couple also paid attention to functionality in the spaces they’d use most. The kitchen features a long island bench and ample storage, while the bathrooms were designed with walk-in tiled showers for a retreat-like feel — no glass to clean, an added bonus.

Each decision, from layout to lighting, reflects the same guiding principle: design that looks beautiful and works beautifully, too.

“We built our space very much with the intention that in the longer term, it would be our family home,” says Jacquie.

The adjoining home was designed for another family to live in: equally spacious and finished to the same high standard, but built with a more traditional family-living layout. By giving equal care and attention to both dwellings, Jacquie and Ian achieved a cohesive architectural finish that elevated the value of the entire build.

Even while living in Australia during the project, they describe the process as effortless and transparent. “We had a very streamlined and easy process,” says Jacquie. “Carolyn was terrific in pointing us in the direction of the architect, and we basically all did it together.”

And from the very first meeting, they knew they could trust the team. “We had a lot of faith in Fraser right from the start,” Jacquie recalls. “From the minute we walked into the David Reid Homes show home, he instilled a huge amount of confidence in us.”

That confidence never wavered. Every detail, from the quote to the final handover, was exactly as discussed. “We had a lot of assistance from Carolyn and the team making sure our build contract contained everything we wanted,” Ian explains. “They thought of everything, and there were no hidden fees or unexpected costs. The quote was accurate right from the start.”

Financially Smart, Beautifully Built

Jacquie and Ian’s duplex is proof that smart design and financial savvy can work hand in hand. By building two connected homes, they maximised their section and reduced their personal build costs, delivering on both comfort and return.

“People shy away from duplexes, but if you design them properly, there’s really no downside,” Ian says. “We don’t get any noise between the two homes, and it’s worked out perfectly for us.”

For them, it’s been more than a smart investment; it’s been a deeply rewarding experience. “It’s beautifully built and exactly how we wanted it,” says Jacquie. “We’d absolutely do it again.”

Whether you’re dreaming of your forever home or curious about options like a duplex, great design starts with the right plan.

Explore our house plans to see what’s possible and start imagining your next home with David Reid Homes.