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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
Proprietary special brick shapes were used in an unconventional manner to create custom wall lights, ledges, & fireplace.
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!
Designer granny flats in Australia are on the rise, but less than 5% of these homes are designed by architects, which means most buyers are missing out.
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has introduced new financing rules, allowing up to 80% of prefabricated home costs to be funded before installation. Learn how this benefits granny flat owners in NSW & Victoria.
