Across the street from St. Edward’s University, a pair of sister duplexes carve out a moment of respite and community for the busy students nearby. An expansive lot located in the heart of a busy collegiate corridor offered a unique opportunity to explore providing affordable but thoughtfully designed residences that engage the communal spirit of the area. Taking the traditional duplex monolith, a series of outdoor gatherings areas carve this up and then are mirrored to create four distinct volumes. The marriage of these four private “houses” with the communal interstices defines a duality of separate, but together, that allows the occupant to have their own home while still being able to actively engage with their neighbors and bolster a sense of community. Adding to the interplay between the two duplexes, materials intermingle, creating an individual identity for each residence while still maintaining their clear family resemblance.