Not a Motel by Pleysier Perkins

Words by Kate Lawrence
Photography by Tom Blachford

Taking cues from a Palm Springs motel, Not a Motel by Pleysier Perkins respectively captivates a mid-century Californian topography, cultivated through an Australian lens.

Located in Point Lonsdale, on the Mornington Peninsula, Not a Motel establishes a unique dialogue between the Australian beach shack ideal and a mid-century aesthetic. Pleysier Perkin’s focus around fluidity and connection was influenced by both mid-century design principles and the motel typology.

Pleysier Perkin’s focus around fluidity and connection was influenced by both mid-century design principles and the Southern California motel typology.

With connection being the primary theme, the brief for the four-bedroom house required the architects to be playful with the design through materiality, colour and detailing. The home is situated around a central courtyard and pool, and a bright and open palette ensued internally – colour-blocked bedrooms reference the classic motel typology. As occupants move through this space they encounter striking tones of eucalyptus, blues and pink.

The interiors embody a durable textured materiality and foster a sense of spaciousness. Upon entry, a light-filled kitchen leads to a sunken lounge and adjacent pool room, while timber and brickwork are used to create cohesive detailing, custom wall lights, a fireplace and further elements of visual intrigue.

The interiors embody a durable textured materiality and foster a sense of spaciousness.

Externally, materials with minimal maintenance were chosen with longevity in mind and reference back to the interiors. Clean lines and vast amounts of glass in varying tones playfully twist mid-century design principles – the brickwork and stained glass also give a dynamic appearance to both the interior and exterior.

Through cleverly blurring the boundaries between inside and out, Pleysier Perkins emulates the atmosphere of a coastal home. Not a Motel celebrates mid-century Californian architecture while befitting its location.

Architecture and interior design by Pleysier Perkins. Build by Kleev Homes. Landscape design by Metro Landscape & Irrigation. Stone by Artedomus. Artwork by George Byrne, Leila Jeffreys and ACV Studio.