Eyrie House by Matt Williams Architects
Overlooking the south-eastern landscape of Pittwater, Tasmania, Eyrie House has redefined traditional design, through the environmental lens and inversion of home design to suit the steep site. The build held a large focus on protecting the natural environment and limiting the impact to the site during construction. To aid in this brief Eyrie House was built into the side of the slope, limiting the impact on the existing flora and fauna. This sustainable approach and integration lead to the structure being positioned at the highest point of the site. Given the constraints of positioning, the design leaned into the inversion of the standard hill house plan, housing the garage atop of the dwelling space...
The design plan for Eyrie House stems from integrating the indoor living to the outdoors, creating a seamless flow to blend into the natural environment. This connection not only acts to extend the home but to create a sense of peace and tranquillity for the residents . Given the location of the home, being exposed to the elements, the sourcing of durable materials was instrumental to the build, ensuring the home would stand the test of time. Despite the owner being a bricklayer himself, initially, he was hesitant to use concrete masonry for the build, for fear of an overwhelming monotonous look. Although given the durable and reliable nature of blocks, it was deemed the best material choice both in functionality and visual appeal. “With one of the clients being a bricklayer, we were all keen to test the limits of the material and develop their skillset. They took the design and detailing, further refining every surface and junction.” states lead architect Matt Williams. GB Masonry's Porcelain block was chosen for its dimensional consistency and durability, allowing for a long horizontal design throughout the project. The half height of the Porcelain block allowed for the design to be tailored to their preferences, while also granting expression and autonomy. Given weather requirements, the durable nature of the block was further bolstered by the visual appeal to create a uniform design which simultaneously appears crisp and soft.
While the strong lines, and solid structure of the house’s exterior delightfully juxtaposes the area’s rugged landscape, the brick interior softens to provide a calm, solid backdrop to the home, moving the focal point to the sweeping landscape. The ability to utilise the Porcelain blocks throughout the home to create a striking exterior and welcoming interior is a true testament to their versatility and functionality, while holding the aesthetic visual. The use of textured wooden panelling on the garage doors reinforces the integration of the project into the native landscape, strengthening the connection with the natural environment. Accessed via a steep driveway, the house appears unassuming, blending in seamlessly with the natural environment due to the subtlety of the layout and orientation.
Honouring the natural landscape of Tasmania, Matt Williams Architects carefully planned and designed the home to sit in contrast with its location, while allowing for seamless integration with the existing wilderness. Through careful consideration of material choices to enhance the design elements and forms, they crafted an innovative and balanced design, which challenges the traditional functionality of a hill house.
If tried and true is what you’re after then the GB Smooth range is for you. Its smooth surface gives a soft glow to any project. Offering colours such as Porcelain, Pewter and Nickel – to name a few – there’s an option to suit most locations.
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