The Torrington

This plan would nicely in a beach setting, and has some upscale features not usually found in a duplex.

The Torrington would fit nicely in a beach setting, and has some upscale features not usually found in a duplex. Its owners might enjoy keeping one unit as a vacation retreat for themselves, and renting the other out.

The cantilevered setback is visually interesting, and the recessed porches are widely separated to enhance the sense of privacy.

Double walls, also known as party walls, provide extra sound buffering between the two units, and an exterior wall separates the covered patios. Bedrooms line up along the outer edges, thus assuring totally private sleeping environments, as well.

A description of one will serve for both, since the units have identical but reversed floor plans. Standing in the entry, the living-dining area is on one side, a coat closet and passageway to the bedrooms are in front, and direct access to the garage is on the opposite side.

Few duplexes boast a lofty, vaulted living and dining area such as this. The high ceiling creates an expansive sense of openness, with natural illumination during most daylight hours. Plenty of natural light washes in through a wide set of windows up front, plus a smaller dormer window higher up.

In the kitchen the ceiling is flat and lower. An overhead plant shelf and raised eating bar also mark this boundary.

Stove, sink and refrigerator cluster in a tight, step-efficient triangle here, convenient for meal preparation and clean up. Cupboards and work surfaces are in good supply. Counters wrap around three sides, while a floor-to-ceiling pantry boosts available shelf space.

More storage is found in the hallway to the Torrington's bedrooms and a two-section bathroom. The rear bedroom is slightly larger.

Associated Designs is the original source for the Torrington 60-010. For more information or to view other designs, go to www.AssociatedDesigns.com or call 800-6340123.