DUMFRIES small second home

​Location:
TORQUAY

​Site Area / House:
700m² / 58m²

Year:
2025

Builder:
Built By Hammond

Project Brief:
The brief for this particular project was to create a compact secondary dwelling that would support multi-generational living, allowing family members to live independently while remaining closely connected on the one site. Limited to less than 60 square metres and constrained by a challenging orientation with restricted northern solar access, the design required a carefully considered approach to planning, natural light, and the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

The home is organised around an open-plan living, kitchen, and dining space, where a raked ceiling and high-level glazing create a strong sense of volume and draw daylight deep into the interior. A generous deck extends directly from the main living area, blurring the boundary between inside and out while providing valuable additional living space. Despite its modest footprint, the layout incorporates a well-proportioned bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite, alongside a dedicated laundry, demonstrating how thoughtful planning can maximise both functionality and amenity.

​A restrained architectural language and simple material palette give the dwelling a calm, contemporary character that sits comfortably within its suburban setting. Weatherboard, vertical fibre cement cladding and brickwork provide subtle texture and durability, while the compact form and carefully considered detailing reinforce the project's focus on clarity, efficiency, and liveability. The result is a highly resolved small home that demonstrates how architectural quality need not be defined by size.