The Mornington Peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking coastal landscapes, making it a sought-after destination for those looking to build their dream home. Capturing these stunning views while creating a functional, stylish, and personalised living space is both an art and a science.
Prime Building Projects, a trusted name in bespoke construction, understands the unique challenges and opportunities of designing homes in this iconic region. With their expertise, you can craft a custom home that not only embraces the natural beauty of the Peninsula but also reflects your lifestyle and vision.
Designing a Custom Home with Coastal Views in Mind
Here’s how you can design a home that perfectly frames the spectacular coastal vistas while maximising comfort and elegance.
1. Start with Site Orientation
The way your home is positioned on the land plays a critical role in maximising views. Orientation ensures that main living areas, master bedrooms, and outdoor spaces are positioned to enjoy unobstructed ocean vistas or overlook lush greenery, depending on your location.
For homes facing the water, consider how the sun moves across your site. East-facing windows capture morning light, while west-facing views offer spectacular sunsets. Working with your builder to plan this layout can also help reduce energy costs, as well-placed windows naturally illuminate and warm your home during the day.
2. Floor-to-Ceiling Windows
Windows are your best friend when it comes to bringing the outdoors in. Floor-to-ceiling windows or expansive glass walls in main living areas not only let you enjoy the scenery but also flood the home with natural light, creating a bright and inviting space.
On the Peninsula, many custom home designs use high-quality, double-glazed glass for energy efficiency and noise reduction, especially important for coastal areas where temperature fluctuations and wind can be a factor.
3. Consider Multi-Level Design
If your block is sloped or offers potential for elevation, a multi-level design can enhance both your views and usable space. By stacking living areas and bedrooms vertically, you can capture more of the surrounding landscape while making the most of limited ground space.
For instance, a two or three-level home design might have a master suite with a private balcony on the top level, allowing for an unbroken view of the coastline or rolling hills. Additionally, multi-level designs work well for families, providing separate zones for privacy and functionality.
4. Create Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Flow
Coastal living on the Mornington Peninsula is all about enjoying the outdoors, so integrating indoor and outdoor spaces is a must. Bi-fold or sliding glass doors create seamless transitions from indoor areas to outdoor decks, patios, or verandahs.
Outdoor spaces should be positioned to make the most of the view but also provide shelter from the Peninsula’s breezy coastal climate. Covered alfresco areas, windbreaks, or strategically placed greenery can help shield outdoor spaces, making them usable year-round.
5. Opt for Open-Plan Living Spaces
Open-plan layouts make interiors feel expansive and help carry natural light throughout the home. In an open-plan design, your living, dining, and kitchen areas flow into one another, creating a communal space with unobstructed sightlines to the outdoors.
An open-plan layout also gives you the flexibility to arrange furniture in a way that makes the most of your view. Imagine sitting at the dining table and being able to enjoy the ocean or a hillside view—this layout enhances the feeling of space and openness.
6. Use Natural, Coastal Materials
To complement the beauty of the Mornington Peninsula, many homeowners opt for materials that reflect the coastal landscape. Natural stone, timber, and concrete finishes not only look stunning but can also weather well in the region’s sometimes humid climate.
Exterior materials such as weather-resistant timber and locally sourced stone create a harmonious look that blends your home into its surroundings, while interior finishes like timber beams or stone accents create an organic feel that connects with the landscape.
7. Think Long-Term for Privacy and Future Views
As the Mornington Peninsula continues to grow in popularity, it’s essential to think long-term when considering views. Opt for designs that give you privacy without compromising the scenery. Strategic placement of trees, fences, or privacy screens can help shield your home from nearby neighbours while preserving your outlook.
Consider that new developments could alter your views over time. Building on elevated ground or working with a builder who understands local zoning laws can help protect your views in the years to come.
8. Work with a Local Builder and Architect
Designing a custom home on the Mornington Peninsula requires a team that understands the local landscape, climate, and council regulations. A local builder or architect will be familiar with these unique aspects and can help you navigate permits, site preparation, and design options that best suit the area.
Look for professionals with a portfolio of coastal projects and who can provide guidance on materials and techniques tailored to withstand the Peninsula’s climate. An experienced team can turn your vision into a reality, ensuring that your home capitalises on the views while standing the test of time.
What you need to know…
Designing a custom home to capture the breathtaking views on the Mornington Peninsula is a rewarding venture that allows you to create a personalised retreat in one of Australia’s most beautiful regions.
By focusing on site orientation, maximising glass, seamless indoor-outdoor flow, and choosing natural materials, you can build a home that not only fits your lifestyle but also embraces the splendour of the Peninsula’s landscape. With the right planning and local expertise, your custom-built new home can offer a lifetime of beautiful views and memorable moments.
If you are looking for a custom new home builder to help you get the most out of your land and positioning then get in touch with Prime Building Projects for a free consultation and quote.