There’s an overarching need for new solutions in housing around density and attainability. In the coming weeks we will be digging into a series of projects and ideas that address that need. The Builder’s Daily has partnered with the team at the New Home Trends Institute by John Burns Research and Consulting to spotlight communities and developments from its DesignLens library that might serve as inspiration to other homebuilders across the country.

Duplex Attributes

Including duplexes that give the illusion of one single-family home within popular master-planned communities is a win-win for developers and homebuyers.

Particularly in areas of the country such as the booming Southern California market, it’s necessary to find ways to offer more attainable new-home options within master-planned communities. Juniper is a collection of 82 duplexes by Pulte Homes, located in the Village of Rienda in Rancho Mission Viejo, California. The duplexes range from 1,120 square feet to 1,558 square feet, achieving a net density of 15.2 per acre. The target audience for these homes is first-time homebuyers who want something that feels more like a traditional single-family detached home.

The duplex homes at Juniper appeal to a wide range of buyers,” says Scott Wild, senior vice president, consulting, at John Burns Research and Consulting. “Although we expect young couples and young families to typically be the primary buyer group for two-story duplexes, we are often surprised by the diverse array of buyers that will choose this efficient home style—particularly so in attractive communities like Rancho Mission Viejo.”

Since the model grand opening in December 2023, sales have been strong for the homes that start in the high $700,000s. While the duplexes have petite yards, throughout the neighborhood there are pocket parks and extra parking, and residents have access to the amenities of the larger community, including a 20,000-square-foot lagoon pool, event barn and lawn, an open-air fitness center, and more.

Pulte made the smart decision to configure most Juniper homes with ground-level living spaces that flow out to private rear yards,” Wild says. “These homes feel very different from the three-story townhomes that have become prevalent throughout Southern California.”

Designed by Bassenian Lagoni Architects, Juniper features farmhouse- and prairie-style homes that adhere to Rancho Mission Viejo’s architectural guidelines. The smallest and largest floor plans, Plan 1 and Plan 4, respectively, are grouped in one building, modeled in the farmhouse style (above) with white stucco on the front and back. Stone accents and blue siding are used along the sides, and black metal accents provide a modern touch. The entrance for Plan 1 is on the left side of the building.

Plan 1 is the smallest at 1,120 square feet, featuring two bedrooms, two baths, and a two-car garage. The owner’s suite and common living areas are on the second floor, while a ground-floor secondary bedroom/multifunctional space provides privacy and opportunity for guests or work. According to John Burns Research and Consulting, this floor plan feels like a starter home tailored for a roommate scenario or young couple if someone is working from home.

The open-rail staircase leads to the second-story great room. As this plan is intended for one or two residents, there is not a separate dining area.

The second building groups together Plans 2 and 3, and showcases the prairie elevation with tan stucco, hipped rooflines, and earth-toned accents. Despite having two garages, this elevation style gives the illusion of one large single-family residence. Plan 2 is accessed on the right side of the building.

Plan 2 is 1,230 square feet, featuring two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage. It offers a more traditional single-family layout with the common living areas on the ground floor and the bedrooms upstairs. 

The primary bedroom in Plan 2 is lined with windows along two walls, which let in abundant natural light. According to John Burns Research and Consulting, one of the benefits of duplexes is being able to include windows on three sides of the home.

Plan 3 is accessed on the left side of the prairie-style building, with a covered porch shading the front door. It is 1,500 square feet with three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage.

One of the two secondary bedrooms is staged as a child’s room. While the previous plans are geared more toward couples, this three-bedroom plan appeals to young families.

Plan 4, accessed on the right side of the farmhouse-style building, has a covered porch similar to the one offered in Plan 3. Plan 4 is the largest in the Juniper collection at 1,558 square feet. It has three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, and a two-car garage.

Plan 4 includes a separate dining area that’s carved out next to the powder room and offers access to the outdoors.

PROJECT DETAILS

Juniper at Rienda, Rancho Mission Viejo, CA

• BUILDER/INTERIOR DESIGNER: Pulte Homes
• ARCHITECT: Bassenian Lagoni Architects
• LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT: FORMA
• SALES START DATE: December 2023
• TOTAL HOMES: 82
• SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,120 square feet to 1,558 square feet

For more project details, inspiration, or insights, reach out to Jenni Nichols at jnichols@jbrec.com.