[en] Within the framework of Maxwell's equation we have studied light propagation through a finite heterostructure composed of a pair of bilayers with metamaterial/nonlinear Kerr slabs, with the inclusion of an air defect layer between them. The defect layer gives rise to modes, within the plasmon polariton gap, which are the subject of the present investigation. In this way, the number of modes, their intensities and frequency positions are obtained as functions of layer width, as well as of nonlinearity strength. We have found that this simple structure offers a wide variety of possibilities in the control of light, by optimal combinations of nonlinear strength with defect layer width.