There are many homes designed by architects that raise the bar on form and substance, and then there are those in a class of their own. With beautifully resolved architecture that is perfectly situated, Eyrie Residence is a knockout.
This is not your average country retreat by any standard. It is a house that takes its inspiration from the outstanding natural Australian alpine surrounds that inform every detail, inside and out. Conceived with care and crafted by experts, this is a home that soothes the soul and impresses the eye.
The residence takes its name, Eyrie, from the medieval Latin for the nest of a bird of prey, such as an eagle, built high in the mountains. Located on the top of a hill, Wedge-tailed Eagles do indeed fly around and above the structure, and their presence brings a certain sense of wonder and awe.
The brief from the client to Jeremy Schmölzer, director of Schmölzer Architecture, was concise: to design a hilltop courtyard house made from concrete, create feelings of security and make the most of the incredible views. A tall order, especially as the site afforded no level ground on which to build; and while the all-encompassing views should complement the expansive feel of the home, they should not compromise a feeling of intimacy or sanctuary.
Presenting as a modern-day castle on the highest point of a 40-hectare site, the 450-square-metre, L-shaped house forms two sides of a large garden courtyard. Monolithic concrete walls, standing 4.5 metres high, contain the remaining sides and conceal garage, storage and services areas.
“It wasn’t a really conscious thing to draw on historical forms or historic kind of typologies, but they exist for a reason,” comments Schmölzer. “That there is a courtyard in a hilltop castle is because you need shelter.”
While the form of the house is substantial, built entirely of concrete, with a galvanised steel roof and trim and expansive glazing, it has been designed to perfectly nestle into the plateau. Over time, and as materials patinate and shrubbery grows, the structure will further recede into the landscape.
“What I like most is how the architecture has a seasonality to it, that it is somehow cradling when it’s stormy and rainy and opens to the day in very different ways,” says Schmölzer.
Inside, the hub of the home is the corner of the floorplate, where the open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas, and a large, outdoor deck meet. From here, two wings extend out at right angles. The main bedroom suite, with a snug en suite and bedroom, forms one wing, with two bedrooms, a lounge, bathroom and laundry in the other. This pavilion is also home to the pool and guest bedroom with its own ensuite.
Related: Cut from the corner
The outside walls of the home boast floor-to-ceiling sliding, double-glazed glass doors that frame extensive vistas of hills and valleys. In winter, there are even glimpses of snow-capped Mount Buffalo and Mount Buller.
While the views are a mesmerising and ever-changing natural art installation, the pièce de résistance is the pool, and what a pool it is. Positioned between the secondary living area and the guest suite, a blackbutt deck extends into the courtyard on one side, and back across the pavilion on the other, leading to the seven by nine metre pool and jacuzzi. These have been designed to float over the escarpment, and the ordinarily ubiquitous act of swimming becomes a magical experience enhanced by the stunning 180-degree views of infinite sky and boundless countryside.
“In terms of a feature, the pool is the most spectacular. It’s really beautiful to swim in and the deck is its dry sibling,” reflects Schmölzer. “The view is always stunning, and you feel like you’re on a mountain.”
Materiality of concrete, galvanised steel, timber, glass and stone inform the colour palette: infinite shades of soft greys, timber hues and accents of black that combine to create a sophisticated aesthetic. Blackbutt timber joinery in the kitchen and above the fireplace in the living area provide storage, as do the integrated wardrobes in the bedrooms, secret cupboards and carved-out nooks in passageways.
Furniture is thoughtful and contemporary: a simple leather sofa, comfortable lounge chairs, a custom-designed dining table and chairs that all complement the restrained architecture. Honed concrete floors and walls are softened by sheer curtains in pale grey and secondary blinds provide extra privacy and deflect heat.
Outside, the courtyard becomes another entertaining space, sheltered as it is by the home and outbuildings. With a generous timber deck, barbecue and open fireplace, this is a spectacular living space in which to entertain family and friends.
The Eyrie Residence took many years to reach fruition. The site was purchased in 2010, with the home finally completed in 2025. As a labour of love for both the client and the architect, the realisation of this home is the ultimate reward born from an excellent collaboration and shared vision.
The charm of the Eyrie Residence is in the simplicity of its form that presents the perfect solution for the challenges and complexity of the site, the design and the build. With superior functionality and attention to every detail, plus those outstanding views, this is a home that respects place and honours the landscape and, situated high on a hill where the eagles soar, it is simply magnificent.
