First Year Assignment - Esplanade, Mornington
Project Overview
This project involves designing a contemporary coastal home for the Mitchell family on a premium site along the Mornington Esplanade. The vision is to create a dwelling that responds sensitively to its foreshore setting, maximising natural light, framing ocean views, and embracing seamless indoor-outdoor living. Sustainability, durability, and a strong connection to the surrounding landscape underpin the design approach.
The Mitchells are an active, outdoor-oriented family, requiring generous external spaces, robust coastal materials, and areas that support recreation and relaxation. The home includes dedicated spaces for Alex’s basketball training and Emma’s piano practice, along with secure, pet-friendly zones for their puppy, Max.
With both parents frequently working from home, functional and quiet office spaces are essential. The design also considers long-term ageing-in-place, incorporating adaptable planning and low-maintenance features to support the family now and into their retirement years. The resulting home balances contemporary coastal living with practicality, comfort, and future flexibility.
Design Intent
The vision for this home is to create a modern, context-responsive dwelling that embraces its natural surroundings and supports comfortable long-term living for its owners. The design utilises the site’s typography with the rear of the property offering ocean views and optimal sunlight, the primary living spaces are positioned to the north to maximise natural light, outlook, and connection to the landscape.
A protected maple tree becomes a key feature, integrated into a central outdoor space that brings nature into the heart of the home. The material palette, white render, off-white brick, jasper accents, and muted earthy tones, reflects the light, modern character of surrounding dwellings, while greens and browns reference native vegetation.
Designed with retirement living in mind, the layout prioritises ease of movement and future adaptability. The garage and kitchen sit on the same level for practical access, stairs are kept low where possible, and the main staircase can accommodate mobility aids in future. A front-located office provides convenient access for visitors. Together, these elements create a warm, modern, and functional home tailored to both its environment and the lifestyle of its owners.
