Duplex

In the UK, the term ‘duplex’ refers to an apartment (not a house) that includes two floors of accommodation, joined by an internal staircase.

Historically, this would have been referred to as a maisonette, but the term duplex has become increasingly popular because of its perceived Americanism, and is generally applied to apartments with a more modern design, whereas a maisonette might be more traditional.

An apartment with three floors can be referred to as a triplex. There is some dispute about whether an apartment with a mezzanine level should be referred to as a duplex. Where a duplex is on the top floor of a high-rise building, it might also be referred to as a penthouse.

Strangely however, and rather confusingly, in the USA, a ‘duplex’ is a dwelling comprising two apartments with separate entrances, whether the apartments are side by side, or one above the other.

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[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki

• Apartment.
• Bungalow.
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• Double fronted house.
• Dwellinghouse.
• Household.
• Flat definition.
• Loft v attic.
• Maisonette.
• Penthouse.
• Residential definition.
• Skyscraper.
• Studio flat.
• Terraced house.
• Types of building.
• Types of space.