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.
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...
...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.
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 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!
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.
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.