A hilltop modern house design that frames valley and Mount Buffalo views through concrete pavilions, terraces, and a sheltered courtyard

Project Overview

Eyrie Residence is a house by Schmölzer Architecture on the steep slopes of the Murmungee Escarpment near Beechworth, Victoria. The elevated site commands long views across rolling valleys toward the Victorian Alps, with Mount Buffalo a recurring focal point. The architectural design prioritizes outlook and orientation, shaping spaces that feel poised above the terrain. Concrete pavilion elements, a central courtyard, and a sequence of terraces calibrate exposure and shelter. A horizon pool along the western edge appears to meet the distant landscape, reinforcing the home’s relationship to topography and sky. Photography by Timothy Kaye.

Site and Urban Context

Located on the outskirts of Beechworth, the residence occupies a prominent position on the Murmungee Escarpment. The steep fall amplifies views and informs placement of outdoor rooms, while the courtyard creates a microclimate protected from prevailing winds. The project reads as a measured intervention in a wide rural landscape, using low, robust forms to steady the building against the slope.

Design Concept

Arrival is purposefully reserved. A neutral concrete wall, appearing to emerge from the hillside, conceals much of the house from the driveway. Passing through an opening reveals a central courtyard and a portal-like framing of Mount Buffalo. The composition favors concrete pavilion forms and calibrated openings, establishing a consistent architectural language from approach to outlook.

Spatial Organization

The plan is structured around the courtyard, with circulation and views aligned outward to the valleys. The open-plan living area occupies a corner where accommodation wings meet, extending to terraces and reinforcing a sense of elevation. The primary suite is set apart in a private wing, while guest rooms form a separate zone; some guest accommodation continues beyond the pool for additional privacy. Dining is positioned close to the kitchen and outdoor entertaining areas, supporting movement between interior and exterior.

Materials and Facade

A restrained material palette supports clarity: concrete for primary walls and floors, expansive glazing for views, linen sheers for light modulation, and custom joinery for storage and warmth. In the kitchen, natural honed stone and integrated cabinetry maintain a minimal, functional character without visual clutter.

Light, Climate, and Atmosphere

Large openings bring daylight deep into living and sleeping spaces, maintaining strong visual connections to the landscape. The courtyard is designed for year-round use, shielded from strong winds and equipped with dining areas, a fireplace, and a barbecue. Along the western edge, the horizon pool reflects changing sky conditions, reinforcing the building’s continual engagement with the site.

Design Highlights

Concealed approach sequence behind a neutral concrete wall that emerges from the hillside.
Central courtyard acting as the climatic and social heart with fireplace and barbecue.
Concrete pavilion elements framing targeted views, including a deliberate portal to Mount Buffalo.
Open-plan corner living area where accommodation wings converge and extend to terraces.
Horizon pool and spa on the western edge accentuating the escarpment’s steep fall.
Kitchen defined by natural honed stone, concrete flooring, and integrated joinery.
Primary suite in a secluded wing with bedroom, walk-in closet, and ensuite aligned to views.
Guest accommodation in a distinct wing, with some rooms extending beyond the pool for privacy.

Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed Eyrie Residence?

The house was designed by Schmölzer Architecture.

Where is the house located?

It sits on the Murmungee Escarpment near Beechworth in Victoria, Australia, with views toward the Victorian Alps and Mount Buffalo.

What organizes the plan of the house?

A central, wind-sheltered courtyard organizes circulation and living, with wings branching to primary and guest accommodation.

What materials define the interiors and envelope?

Concrete walls and floors, expansive glazing, linen sheers, natural honed stone in the kitchen, and custom joinery.

What is distinctive about the pool?

A horizon pool and spa along the western edge align with the escarpment’s drop, giving the effect of water meeting the distant landscape.

How are guests accommodated?

Guest rooms occupy a separate wing, with some accommodation extending beyond the pool to enhance privacy.