Storybook Vacationing – Motel Molly by Richards Stanisich
Colourful and attention grabbing, Motel Molly by Richards Stanisich serves as a boutique getaway for those looking to escape city life. Located in the coastal town of Mollymook, the motel has undergone renovations to emphasis its 1980s character and adds to the town’s charm.
Surrounded by spotted gum trees and within reach of a national park and picturesque coastline of open ocean waters, Motel Molly is a home away from home for out-of-town travellers. Though Mollymook is a populated seaside town, there is a wildness to it, which adds the sense of escaping to a coastal town far from civilisation. Engaged by young and energetic clients, Richards Stanisich worked with a brief that requested a new life be breathed into the 1980s site. Richards Stanisich – which acted as both architect and interior designer – did not want to destroy the original charm, instead the team added another layer that emphasised the motel’s character for a contemporary context.
The first inception of the motel’s redesign produced its name, Motel Molly, which was given to honour both the location and instil an Australian spirit. Throughout the design process, Richards Stanisich adopted a fun, unpretentious and welcoming approach. However, having just come out of the pandemic, the team faced huge constraints during the construction of the site due to a shortage of materials and trade workers. Yet, as one of the client’s fathers-in-law built the original 1980s boutique motel, Richards Stanisich understood the history of the site and worked to deepen its connection to the community of Mollymook.
Beginning at the street there is a soft pink limestone path that leads towards the reception building and, just behind it, the first yellow gingerbread-style house, a three-bedroom unit with living spaces and kitchen, which features cool colour tones and interior design aspects that emphasise beachside living. A crazy pave path leads towards the rest of the motel, with Mediterranean-style plants and an outside shower for guests to wash the sand off after being at the beach. Onwards are the pink and blue buildings that house single-room units and a green building where the barbeque and pool area is placed.
Designed to enhance the seaside town of Mollymook, Motel Molly exudes a sophisticated yet relaxed and unpretentious charm that welcomes all guests. By supplying interior design and architecture, and working closely with the clients and tradesmen, Richards Stanisich has enhanced the 1980s boutique motel for a modern age.
