Minett Studio is a Melbourne architectural and interior design practice specialising in new homes, renovations, extensions and coastal retreats in Flinders and throughout the Mornington Peninsula. Flinders has a distinctive architectural and landscape character. Its combination of coastline, rural landscape, established vegetation and village setting creates extraordinary opportunities for residential architecture, but also requires a considered response to site, climate and the local planning environment.

Our approach brings together architecture, interior design and landscape design, allowing the building and its surroundings to be considered together from the earliest stages of a project.

New Homes & Coastal Retreats in Flinders

Designing a home in Flinders begins with understanding the site. Orientation, views, topography, prevailing winds, significant vegetation, privacy and the relationship with the surrounding landscape all inform the architectural response. Rather than imposing a predetermined architectural style, we look for the particular qualities of each property and design a home that belongs to its setting. Natural light, passive solar design and indoor-outdoor living are considered alongside durability and long-term maintenance in the coastal environment.

The result is architecture that is contemporary yet warm and relaxed — equally suited to a permanent family residence or a coastal retreat.

Renovations & Extensions

Many established homes in Flinders occupy exceptional sites but don’t necessarily take full advantage of their orientation, views or landscape.

A considered renovation or extension can transform an existing property without requiring the entire house to be replaced.

We look beyond simply adding floor area to consider how the whole home could work better — improving circulation, natural light, outlook, accommodation and the relationship between internal living spaces and the garden.

Where an existing building has architectural or heritage value, we consider how new contemporary work can sit comfortably alongside it while allowing the original building to retain its own identity.

Town Planning & Mornington Peninsula Shire Council

Properties in Flinders can be subject to a range of planning controls and overlays that influence what can be built or altered on a site.

Minett Studio has experience working with Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and navigating the town planning process for residential projects on the Peninsula. Depending on the property, planning considerations may include neighbourhood and landscape character, building height and setbacks, vegetation and tree protection, bushfire requirements, environmental considerations, coastal conditions, overlooking, site coverage and other applicable planning overlays. We consider these requirements from the beginning of the design process rather than treating town planning as something to address once a design has already been completed. Where a planning permit is required, Minett Studio can manage the architectural planning process from initial site analysis and concept design through to preparation of the planning application, coordination with specialist consultants and responses to Council during the assessment process.

For clients considering purchasing a property in Flinders, we can also provide early architectural advice to help identify potential planning constraints and opportunities before committing to a significant investment.

Architecture, Interiors & Landscape

We believe a Flinders home should have a strong relationship with its landscape.

Minett Studio provides architecture, interior design and landscape design as an integrated service, allowing the house, interiors and garden to develop together. Internally, this extends from the overall planning of the home to kitchens, bathrooms, bespoke joinery, lighting, materials, fixtures and finishes. Externally, terraces, courtyards, swimming pools, gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces can be integrated into the architecture to provide shelter, privacy and connections to the surrounding landscape.

Material selection is equally important. We favour natural and enduring materials that develop character over time and respond appropriately to the coastal environment.

Considering Building or Renovating in Flinders?

Whether you are considering a new home, renovating an existing property or assessing a site before purchasing, early architectural advice can help establish what may be possible.

We can discuss the potential of the property, relevant planning considerations, opportunities for renovation or redevelopment and the likely scale of construction budget required.

Minett Studio offers a complimentary initial design consultation to discuss your property and explore how it could better suit the way you want to live.

Minett Studio — Architecture · Interiors · Landscape