DUPLAY

Design by Archsign Architecture | Build by CasProperty.

“Duplay is a unique and playful cubby house that appeals to a wide range of ages. The comical, yet considered approach of the dual-occupancy theme has resulted in a highly flexible space that allows Duplay to become an invaluable resource for children to grow, learn and develop their social skills.”

Designer Lachlan Michael with James Hardie representative Florent at the 2016 BDAV Awards.

The brief was to design and build a cubby house to be exhibited and auctioned off for charity at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. The cubby was to then be relocated to the new owner’s property. Duplay had to adhere to strict design requirements to ensure the structure could be safely transported and relocated without the need for permits.

The cubby also had to be durable and robust enough to accommodate children of all ages interacting with it during the garden show in addition to fall prevention and head entrapment considerations.

The cubby was to be built on a 3m x 2.5m platform base provided by the charity to facilitate forklift and crane transportation. With minor protrusions no greater than 300mm, the overall envelope had to generally accord with the base. The structure had to be within a 3m height limit and could not exceed 1.8 tonnes. As both the exhibit space and final destination of the cubby was unknown, Duplay was designed with the assumption that it may potentially be located at the corner of two boundary fences.

Auction night at 2016 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

“We approached the layout design much the same way we approach our speculative developments; review the brief and familiarise ourselves with opportunities and constraints imposed on the proposed build. In order to maximise the usability of the interior space of the cubby, we pushed the building to the maximum allowable envelope set by the Cubby House Challenge and then set out pushing items in and out to facilitate the creation of different spaces that when combined together can optimise creative play scenarios.

We wanted to create a bespoke space that could be shared by siblings and friends, this idea spawned the dual-occupancy concept. The front façade is complete with two entry doors and porches divided by an external party wall. The playful use of green and orange shades has been used to create a 3D effect on the otherwise flat exterior. Flexibility of the interior is maximised by a floor-to-ceiling dividing curtain and accompanied by a custom-made kitchenette with blackboard servery, matching miniature furniture and built-in bench. A full sized day bed is located in the loft.”

- Lachlan Michael (Lead Commercial Architectural Planning + Design).

Cubby interiors working with Grattan Furniture.

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