Waking up to the sound of crashing waves, feeling the cool sea breeze as you sip on your morning coffee, or enjoying a refreshing swim while watching the sunset over the stunning views – this is the allure of the coastal lifestyle, one that is simply irreplaceable. Building a coastal home offers the opportunity to create a sanctuary that honours the beauty of its surroundings. Thoughtful design and collaboration are key to ensuring these homes endure, complementing the unique coastal environment. Mount Martha Design & Drafting, founded with a passion for crafting bespoke designs, has been in business for more than 20 years. Led by Adam Doherty, a building designer since 1983, the company is renowned for balancing client needs with planning and building regulations, all while staying within budget. “We aim to speacialise in designing homes that blend seamlessly within their environment, often incorporating coastal aesthetics and timeless lines. Our designs focus on functionality and creating spaces that enhance the client’s lifestyle,” Doherty explains.

DREAMY DESIGNS

Building your dream home often presents challenges, especially when blending modern design elements with the desire to reflect a coastal atmosphere. Many homeowners find it difficult to know where to begin or what design choices will achieve the perfect balance. The modern coastal style can be realised by using a neutral colour palette throughout the home, creating a light, airy and inviting atmosphere that mirrors the calming beachside lifestyle. Incorporating natural materials, such as timber flooring and cabinetry, adds both texture and warmth to the space. To elevate the design further, luxurious touches like brass finishes, a marble benchtop or a freestanding bathtub can bring a touch of class to the contemporary interiors.

Doherty explains that current trends in coastal homes emphasise a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, with features like large glass walls, open-plan living areas and natural materials such as timber, stone and weatherboard. “Over the years we’ve seen these trends evolve from more traditional, compartmentalised designs to fluid layouts that enhance natural light and airflow,” he says. Sustainability is also becoming a key factor in modern coastal design, with eco-conscious choices integrated into the building process. By combining these elements thoughtfully, homeowners can create a space that perfectly captures the essence of coastal living while maintaining a modern, sophisticated feel.

FROM SAND TO STRUCTURE

Open-floor plans and generous windows that allow natural light to flow throughout the home are often at the top of a homeowner’s wish list. These elements have become essential in modern home design, but as Doherty has observed over his career, they also significantly influence design choices. “Open spaces and fluid floor plans foster a stronger connection with the coastal environment. They allow for uninterrupted views, better cross-ventilation and spaces that feel expansive and airy. For example, in our designs, we often integrate large sliding doors that open onto alfresco areas, creating a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living.”

However, the coastal environment presents unique challenges, including heavy foot traffic from tourists and the corrosive effects of wind and saltwater. Doherty emphasises the need to carefully consider how designs can address these issues, particularly in the placement of key elements. “We strategically position glazing to maximise views while using screening techniques such as louvered panels, landscaping and frosted glass for privacy. For protection against the elements, we select high-quality, corrosion resistant materials such as aluminum and specially coated double-glazing, ensuring durability and low maintenance,” he says.

Images courtesy of Mt. Martha Design & Drafting.