Increasing urbanisation, rising property prices, scarcity of fertile farming land and climate concerns are all among the key considerations attracting developers to medium-density housing. Here, duplexes and townhouses deliver home owners an affordable, community-focused alternative to stand-alone homes. Architect, James Solari — Managing Director of Solari Architects — has been ruminating on this residential model since spying an unused block adjoining his own backyard.

Fast forward a few years and Wellington’s Catalina Lane is the realisation of James’ vision. Four completed duplexes, each boasting three-storeys and three bedrooms, enjoy views over Wellington Harbour and the Orongorongo Ranges. Meanwhile, a communal ‘village green’ spans almost 300m2 and provides residents with endless opportunities for sport and leisure activities.

The design of the green was a complex undertaking as the Solari team and engineers navigated narrow access, a sloping site and water extraction strategies. Clearly a ‘labour of love’, James rolled up his sleeves, helping to build some of the retaining structures as well as undertaking the landscaping with his wife.

“This hands-on experience has given me a new appreciation of the ‘pain points’ both homeowners and developers encounter,” James explains. “Clients put a lot of faith in us as architects and this project gave me the opportunity to serve as both developer and architect — what better way to better understand how clients
experience the design process?” James, his wife and son will all soon be Catalina Lane residents too. Their own house is currently under construction.

By all accounts, the duplexes’ design has been incredibly well received. By positioning the living spaces on the top floor, and making use of multiple large skylights, the stairwells and lounging areas are flooded with natural light. Meanwhile, spacious outdoor decks are large enough to accommodate generously proportioned outdoor settings and multiple guests.

“Inside, the scale of the duplexes allows us to deliver high-level finishes and little luxuries you’d expect to find in larger, stand-alone homes,” James explains. Electric-panel heating devices, that can be programmed via an App to heat specific rooms at specific times, are proving both popular and cost-effective for residents.

Outside, James opted for natural timbers and aluminium, powder-coated weatherboard to ensure long-term durability, an important consideration due to Catalina Lane’s seaside location.

Hear from the homeowners

“I really love the community. My son plays football with our neighbours on the village green and everyone looks out for each other. The design allows us to share the outdoor space but I still feel like I have my privacy. Living here gives me a great sense of wellbeing and security.”
Megan, resident with two young children

“Catalina Lane is not just a place to live. It’s a community in its own right. From my deck, I can see yachts racing, my daughter grows plants out there and in summer we enjoy a glass of wine with friends. It’s like another room in the house — it adds to the space enormously.”
Mike McBurney, resident with adult daughter and her partner living with him

“We like having neighbours we know and we enjoy casual catch ups together. Although we’re in the heart of the city, it’s nice to have the bushland behind us. Sometimes in the evening we hear native birds. The morepork owl is a favourite!”
Wendy Hannagan, resident who lives with her partner Amar Shekdar