Coastal Mediterranean & Palm Springs Style Architects
What is the Coastal Mediterranean/Palm Springs Style?
I’m sure you’ve seen Hamptons style homes surging in popularity across Queensland, but have you heard of the Palm Springs design style?
Palm Springs residential architecture is known for its relaxed and effortless look. Although baring some similarities to the Hamptons style, such as the use of understated accents, there are also some major differences that separate the two styles.
With design motifs such as breezeblocks, cacti, and other plants – this style truly brings a bit of California to Brisbane!
3D Render – Stafford Heights Renovation Project by dion seminara architecture
What is Unique About the Palm Springs Architectural Style?
To help you understand what goes into the Palm Springs style, it is important to first help you understand what the style is inspired by!
Palm Springs is a resort town in California that is known for its distinctive architecture.
Due to the style’s origin, many of the motifs of the Palm Springs design style are a homage to the style’s California resort origins.
Design motifs such as statement pools, cacti, stylish breezeblocks, and a variety of plants are all key motifs of the Palm Springs style.
Whilst I could sit here all day trying to explain this style of architecture to you, instead I will explain it visually by using real photos of the Californian town!
Credit: https://www.trafalgar.com/real-word/9-architectually-significant-locations-visit-palm-springs/
Why is the Palm Springs Style Gaining Popularity in Brisbane?
Although they have different climates, Brisbane and California can both get extremely hot – meaning that many of the features of Palm Springs architecture are very suitable for the Brisbane climate.
Although Brisbane does not have the Hot Desert climate that Palm Springs does, when Summer hits in Brisbane you can rest assured that you will not regret the breezeblocks or feature pool!
Additionally, the Palm Springs style has a heavy emphasis placed on effective indoor-outdoor area design, which means that your home will be comfortable to live in, and amazing for entertaining guests and family!
What is the Suitability of the Palm Springs Style to Brisbane?
Oftentimes, what we see from people wanting the Palm Springs style in Brisbane is the desire to achieve a more muted version of the look. They may want some elements of the style (tiling, feature pool, use of palms) adapted in a way that doesn’t look too drastically different from surrounding houses in terms of streetscape.
What is crucial to remember when deciding on which architect or designer to use for your project, is that you MUST choose someone who will focus on more than just looks if you want your project to be a success.
Whilst aesthetics are undoubtedly important, if you want the Palm Springs look AND a comfortable home, you need to ensure that whoever designs your home has a solid grasp of our climate, and the construction techniques used in the Palm Springs style of home.
Why is dion seminara architecture Well Suited to Design Your Palm Springs Style Home?
To give an example of what I’ve been talking about, lets focus on masonry. Masonry is one of the key design motifs of the Palm Springs style, however whether it makes your home comfortable or unliveable will depend on the thought that goes into the design!
In our Brisbane climate, too much exposure to the Summer heat will cause the masonry to heat up the home. It is important that your home is designed by a professional who understands the pros and cons of our climate – as opposed to someone who just focuses on the looks.
If you choose a designer who doesn’t understand how to design for our climate, you may end up with a home that is beautiful, yet unliveable when the aircon isn’t turned on.
How Can I Be Sure My Architect is Qualified?
If you are unsure whether a designer has the skills needed to create a home which is both beautiful AND liveable – let me ask you this:
Out of 10, how confident are you that your architect or building designer has considered not just the looks of your home – but the way in which the design will interact with the Brisbane climate?
If you answered anything other than 9 or 10 – you should be careful of locking into their services!
It’s not all bad, though!
3D Render – Palm Springs Style Home in Stafford by dion seminara architecture
We Can Help Make Your Vision a Reality!
At dion seminara architecture, we have 30+ years of experience in designing for the Brisbane climate.
Adapting architectural styles to suit the needs of our climate, and our clients, is what we do best! If you want to learn more about how we can make the Palm Springs style work for you, get in touch with us today!
