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Not a Motel

Discover Not a Motel by Pleysier Perkins Architects

Andrew Scott
February 13, 2025

Discover Not a Motel, a four-bedroom retreat by Pleysier Perkins. Shortlisted nominee for the 2025 Grand Design Australia Magazine House of the Year, this house blends an Aussie beach shack’s ease with Palm Springs’ retro charm.

Introducing Not a Motel, a standout four-bedroom holiday house in the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, that masterfully blends the laid-back charm of an Aussie beach shack with the retro allure of a Palm Springs motel. Designed by Melbourne architecture firm Pleysier Perkins - the creative force behind the Models & Custom Designs of Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes: architecturally designed granny flats and small homes - this project playfully reinterprets mid-century, post-war motel design aesthetics with a distinct Australiana twist.

Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Dining room has expansive opening to terrace by the pool.

A Fusion of Timeless Design Elements

Not a Motel captures the spirit of Southern Californian motels while infusing it with local Australian character. The design’s playful and sophisticated approach is evident across all details of the home.

From the reception-inspired kitchen & pool room where the open-plan layout features a kitchen designed to inspire social gatherings, seamlessly flowing into an adjacent pool room that is perfect for entertaining...

Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
The kitchen acts as the foyer-type entry to the motel-inspired home.

...to the sunken lounge, which is a unique, recessed area that creates a cosy ambiance for relaxation and conversation, echoing the atmospheric spirit of mid-century design.

Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
A unique, recessed lounge area creates a cosy ambiance for relaxation and conversation.

We also adore the colour-blocked bedrooms, located off a long, internal hallway - reminiscent of the classic motel gangway. This series of vibrant, individually designed bedrooms and bathrooms offer stunning views of the central garden courtyard and the feature swimming pool.

Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
The long hallway – an internalised version of the classic motel gangway – provides access to a series of colour-blocked bedrooms and bathrooms and reveals views to the central courtyard and pool.
Not a Motel
Proprietary special brick shapes were used in an unconventional manner to create custom wall lights, ledges, & fireplace.
Not a Motel is a 2025 Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Showcase Shortlist Nominee.

Thoughtful and Sustainable Design Features

Pleysier Perkins has incorporated a range of design features that combine aesthetics with practicality and sustainability.

Proprietary special brick shapes are used unconventionally to create custom wall lights, distinctive ledges, a bespoke fireplace, and define the sunken lounge area. This inventive use of materials adds character and depth to the overall design.

Passive heating and cooling is achieved with north-facing internal brickwork paired with wooden shutters on one side and extensive glazing above a brick planter on the other. This arrangement maximises solar gains while ensuring optimal passive heating and cooling for each bedroom.

Indoor-outdoor connection is also central to the design, with expansive glazing and thoughtful spatial planning ensuring that every area of the house maintains a strong relationship with the outdoors. Enjoy uninterrupted views of the garden, coastal bush, and native wildlife, while the carefully designed landscaping provides a natural sanctuary for family, friends, and especially the kids!

Aussie Beach Shack Meets Palm Springs Motel

Not a Motel is a testament to the creative vision of Pleysier Perkins. While Not a Motel stands apart from the architecturally designed granny flats in the Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes collection, it reflects the same commitment to sustainable, high-quality architectural design. Every detail - from the stained-glass screen and castellated timber walls to the carefully curated interior spaces - speaks of a design philosophy that skillfully marries form and function.

Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Not a Motel: Plan view
Pleysier Perkins Not A Motel
Not a Motel: Section view

Explore the colourful world of Not a Motel and discover how Pleysier Perkins was inspired by the idea of a Palm Springs motel, playfully integrating Southern Californian cues, but with an Australiana flavour.

To vote for Not a Motel, please do so at: The Grand Designs Australia House Of The Year Awards 2025.

For more architectural design ideas for your designer granny flat or small second home, visit Pleysier Perkins Mini Homes.

Project Credits

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