The Double Header House in British Columbia’s capital is unlike any other duplex you’ve seen. Architect D’Arcy Jones was commissioned to build two connected units for a multi-generational family, but neither of the obvious approaches was satisfactory: A stacked arrangement would mean that only one unit could have access to the ground, whereas a side-by-side configuration would necessitate long, narrow interiors with limited natural light. So Jones set the units back to back, with an airlock between them. Each opens onto its own porch and yard. The “heads” of the houses are outfitted with triangular wall fins and trussed pentagonal overhangs made of wood and corrugated metal. These features guide sightlines and protect the interiors from the elements, but they also have a sculptural quality: The homes resemble flowers opening toward the sun.

Location Victoria, Canada Firm D’Arcy Jones Architects, Canada Team D’Arcy Jones with Jonny Leger, Bianca Bodley (Biophilia Design Collective), Leon Plett (Read Jones Christoffersen) and Matty Jardine (Aryze Developments) Photos Sama Jim Canzian