On the outskirts of Beechworth, Australia, the Eyrie Residence by Schmölzer Architecture, occupies a remarkable position atop the steep slopes of the Murmungee Escarpment. From its elevated perch, the home looks across rolling valleys toward the distant Victorian Alps, with uninterrupted views stretching to the rugged outline of Mount Buffalo.
The site itself shaped every aspect of the project. Instead of competing with the landscape, the design embraces its elevated setting, creating living spaces that seem suspended above the terrain below. From the terraces to the pool, nearly every part of the home takes advantage of the panoramic outlook, making the surrounding scenery an ever-present feature of daily living.
Arrival Begins with a Sense of Mystery
The approach to Eyrie Residence reveals very little of what lies beyond. From the driveway, the home is largely concealed behind a neutral concrete wall that appears to emerge directly from the hillside.
This arrival sequence creates a striking contrast with what follows. What initially appears as a simple concrete form gradually unfolds into something much larger and more complex, heightening the sense of discovery as visitors move toward the entrance.
A Courtyard Designed for Outdoor Living
A large opening in the concrete wall introduces the central courtyard, one of the defining spaces within the project. Here, concrete pavilion elements surround a sheltered outdoor room that sits at the heart of the home.
Informal plantings and large boulders soften the geometric architecture, bringing texture and variation to the space. The substantial concrete forms create a dramatic portal that frames views toward Mount Buffalo, transforming the distant mountain range into a focal point.
The courtyard is also designed for year-round use. Protected from strong winds by the surrounding building mass, it includes outdoor dining areas, a fireplace, and a barbecue, allowing the space to function comfortably across changing seasons.
A Pool That Appears to Meet the Horizon
Along the western edge of the residence, the horizon pool and spa take full advantage of the escarpment’s steep fall.
The effect is striking. Water appears to merge with the distant landscape, creating the impression that the pool is floating above the valleys below. Combined with the home’s elevated position, the pool becomes one of the most dramatic viewing platforms on the property.
Whether viewed from inside the house or from the surrounding terraces, the water continually reflects the changing colors of the sky and landscape.
An Entry That Connects Architecture and Landscape
Moving from the courtyard into the residence, the relationship between architecture and scenery becomes immediately apparent.
Large openings establish visual connections to the valleys beyond, while the arrangement of walls and circulation paths continually directs attention outward. The transition from enclosed courtyard to expansive views creates a powerful contrast that defines the experience of the home.
Living Spaces Framed by Endless Views
The open-plan living area occupies a prominent corner of the residence where both accommodation wings converge.
Expansive glazing captures the surrounding scenery, while internal living spaces extend naturally onto the outdoor terraces. The escarpment below enhances the sensation of elevation, making the rooms feel as though they hover above the landscape.
Inside, the restrained material palette continues through concrete flooring, linen sheers, and custom joinery. The owners’ furniture collection and artwork introduce color and texture, bringing warmth to the otherwise minimal interior.
A Dining Room Connected to Indoor and Outdoor Entertaining
The dining area shares the openness of the main living space, benefiting from the same expansive outlook across the valleys and mountain ranges.
Positioned close to both the kitchen and outdoor entertaining areas, it acts as a central gathering point within the home. Large openings allow the dining space to extend visually into the surrounding terraces, creating a strong connection between indoor meals and outdoor entertaining.
A Terrace Suspended Above the Landscape
Several terrace spaces project from the main building, but the secondary terrace occupies one of the most impressive locations on the property.
Extending from the junction of the western and southern facades, it captures what feels like a complete panorama of the surrounding region. From this vantage point, visitors can take in sweeping views in multiple directions.
A Kitchen Defined by Natural Materials
The kitchen continues the home’s restrained material palette through the use of natural honed stone, concrete flooring, and integrated joinery.
Storage and functionality are hidden behind minimal detailing, with a pantry seamlessly incorporated into the cabinetry, allowing the kitchen to maintain a clean and uncluttered appearance.
The warm tones introduced through joinery create contrast against the grey architectural surfaces, adding depth without disrupting the overall simplicity of the space.
A Private Primary Suite with Valley Views
The primary suite, with the bedroom, walk-in closet, and bathroom, occupies its own secluded wing, separated from the guest accommodation areas.
The bedroom is oriented toward the surrounding scenery, allowing the dramatic views to become a defining feature of the space. Large openings bring natural light deep into the room while maintaining a strong visual connection to the landscape.
The adjoining dressing area continues the home’s restrained approach, providing generous storage while maintaining clean lines and minimal visual clutter.
The ensuite bathroom extends the material palette found throughout the residence, combining stone, concrete, and eye-catching views from the bathtub.
Guest Accommodation Designed for Privacy
Guest rooms occupy a separate wing of the residence, ensuring visitors have their own distinct zone within the overall plan. Some accommodation even extends beyond the pool area, creating a guest-house-like arrangement that enhances privacy while maintaining easy access to the home’s shared spaces.
Eyrie Residence takes full advantage of one of regional Victoria’s most impressive hilltop sites. Through its courtyard planning, concrete pavilion forms, elevated terraces, and horizon pool, the home transforms dramatic views into an everyday experience.