The term "duplex" has a variety of meanings, each influenced by location and history. In many areas, duplex floor plans can be defined as "multi-family home plans featuring two distinct living areas separated by floors or walls." This type of economical home is designed to conserve space by building two units as one structure. In most cases, duplex house plans are designed with the outward appearance of a single-family dwelling with two distinct entries. Limited only by the creativity of the architect and the available building area, plans for duplexes come in a multitude of sizes and styles. Duplex floor plans generally offer one unit next to the other separated by a firewall or two units stacked one on top of the other separated by the floor. Duplex floor plans are particularly popular in densely populated areas such as large cities. Townhouse plans and other types of Multi-Family house plans share many similar features with Duplex house plans.
The units composing duplex house plans can be one or more levels and range from one bedroom, one bath designs to three or more bedrooms and bathrooms. Inside modern duplex home plans, each unit is designed to look and feel like a single-family home. Offering many of the same features and comforts of traditional one-family homes, they might incorporate elements such as snack bars, fireplaces, walk-in closets, dens, and double bowl vanities. Many duplex designs include a garage for each unit and outdoor living spaces such as a patio or rear porch. The outdoor spaces may be shared between the two, or sub-divided to provide a private yard for each unit. These two-family dwellings can feature two identical units or two different units providing variety in style, layout and finished square footage.
Modern duplex plans are an excellent investment for rental property and also work well for families who have an aging relative in their care. The family can have their own living space, and the relative can have privacy as well while still being nearby. Villa house plans are an upscale alternative to these multi-family designs and are generally found in more sophisticated neighborhoods. The duplex home designs in this collection represent the work of several North American residential designers.
Duplex homes may also be referred to as a two-flat, two-family dwelling, or duplex dwelling. There are some areas where the phrase "duplex apartment" can be used to describe a single residence inside a building of any size which spans two floors, connected by an internal staircase.
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Plan 040M-0002
