Loft House x 2 replaces cars with people. A collaboration between two inner-city neighbours saw their rear-lane parking spaces replaced with conjoined one-bedroom houses, designed in reference to the industrial garages of the area, but with a clear sense of refinement in their appearance.

On a footprint of just 35 square metres each, these micro-homes serve perfectly as guest accommodation, each its own separate entry off the laneway. The party wall between them is used strategically to maximise space and service infrastructure by locating kitchen, bathroom, laundry and storage along this wall, freeing up extra space inside, on both levels, and also creating efficiencies in construction.

Natural light and cross-ventilation are harnessed with skylights, secured front windows and a sliding glass door that opens living areas onto a small walled courtyard in each home. The neutral palette of materials includes warm grey terrazzo flooring downstairs and hardwood upstairs. Exposed timber ceiling joints and black steel window frames authenticate the industrial references, while creating a durable fit out requiring minimal upkeep.