Duplex and Semi-Detached Houses In the UK, USA, Australia and Other Countries

Duplex housing can be called different things, and mean different things, in different locations and countries. A duplex house will typically have two living units (homes) attached to each other, either directly next to each other as condominiums (condos) or townhouses, or sometimes like apartments that are above each other. In parts of the North East United States a building consisting of two joined houses or units on separate properties would be classified as twin homes or semi-detached (semis) homes, and often get called duplexes. So, call them what you like, the side-by-side 2 level scale model houses on this web page resemble semi-detached duplex homes seen in many countries around the world. In some places up to 20% of the population live in this style of residence.

Most commonly, semi-detached homes (semis) are two separate homes (having separate owners and lots), but sharing one common fire wall and constructed side-by-side adjoining each other. A duplex property would generally be on a single lot but having two distinct living spaces.

In the United Kingdom, a duplex property is the term often used by architects and real estate agents (realtors) to describe an apartment or flat on two floors generally connected by an inner staircase. A lot of newer apartments are more open-plan and include mezzanines. The term ‘maisonette’ is also used in some cases to describe a set of rooms for living in, usually on two levels of a larger building and having separate entrances from outside.

The scale house models seen here feature brick and stucco exterior textures, with photo-realistic front entrance doors and windows complete with reflections to provide incredible realism to these scale models. Unlike plastic models, these paper model designs are adaptable, in that the depth of the duplex model houses can be reduced, or even extended by adding or removing texture. The PDF paper models get downloaded just once, but multiple copies can be printed (only for personal non-commercial use), so a second or third duplex building can be added to extend a railroad background street scene. Windows and brickwork can be cut out or added by using more or less texture. The paper models are extremely flexible for HO scale, N scale, or OO scale model makers to adapt to their own individual requirements.

In Australia, a duplex would typically be a residential building comprising two homes that share a common central fire wall. In essence these homes are often a mirror image of one another in layout and design. There are numerous variations including paired homes which is basically two homes sharing a wall but having opposite side entries. The entire building is designed to resemble one single large home. Having separate side entries helps provide some more privacy for the residents or homeowners living in paired homes.

The term duplex is derived from the Latin duplex (double, two-fold), and from duo (two), so would not be an appropriate description for three or four unit buildings. A three unit building is sometimes called three-family dwelling or a triplex. A four unit building can have several names depending on where you live – a fourplex, quadplex, quadruplex, or simply referred to as a multiplex. The four scale house models featured on this web page are definitely duplex houses or semi-detached houses, but on an OO scale, HO scale or N scale model railroad they could be joined together to display four homes in a row. The scale models can be printed out multiple times, making it possible to display more homes by duplicating some of the models on the train layout.

While residing in a detached single stand-alone family home may be the ultimate dream for many, the fact is: city living is relatively dense and real estate is generally very expensive, so stand-alone housing is not always a realistic option.

In most big cities, a duplex house would typically have a “house-like” ground level and upper level floor plan for a more affordable price tag than would a single family home. Many homeowners consider it to be an upgrade from a typical condo or apartment, with additional amenities such as semi-private outdoor spaces. Buying duplexes is often viewed as astute property investment because homeowners of such properties can potentially live in one house while renting out the adjoining house in the duplex building. The affordability of renting duplexes can allow renting in higher-value locations that might otherwise be too expensive for a single-family home rental. Some duplexes include a garage for vehicle parking and some also have outdoor space, be it a patio and/or backyard.

Being close to a neighbor or neighbors is a consideration for residents living in semi-detached or duplex housing. Although residents reside in totally separate houses that are completely private, they will still be in reasonably close proximity to their neighbor(s). Whilst this could be viewed as a negative for some, it could actually be a benefit depending on the individual situation. For example, there might be advantages in living next door to relatives, where the homeowner could live or rent out one house and have your relatives living in or even renting the other. The disadvantages can occur when neighbors are unfriendly, untidy, noisy, or won’t share in the yard work or building upkeep.

Fortunately, buying the plans for these scale model houses won’t incur any of those real-world problems. Just download, print, and build the plans for these duplex house models to OO scale, HO scale or N scale. They are designed as “low relief” background buildings which are suitable for placement at the back of a model train layout providing character, realism, height, and perspective.

The plans for these miniature paper models can be made incredibly strong when glued on to corflute, foam board, or cereal box cardboard. No airbrushing or paints are needed, unless you want to touch up any white edges where the cardboard or foam board is visible. The house models can be coated or sprayed with a clear matt varnish after construction is complete. A spray artist varnish can be used or a paint on clear matt varnish such as Mod Podge can be applied. Applying a sealer to the assembled scale model buildings is entirely optional.