Eyrie House by Matt Williams Architects
Eyrie House is situated at the highest point of the site, designed to minimise its environmental impact while protecting endangered fauna and flora. Matt Williams Architects takes a sustainable and thoughtful approach, integrating the structure into the sloping landscape.
Eyrie House offers sweeping views of Pittwater and south-eastern Tasmania, serving as a protective sanctuary for its owners. The use of durable materials suits the challenging conditions, while the team’s refined design adds a sculptural, unexpected quality. In close collaboration with the clients, Matt Williams Architects expertly navigates the steep site and planning restrictions that had previously discouraged development. The architecture is thoughtfully integrated into its surroundings. Accessed via a looped driveway, the design incorporates bushfire awareness as a priority, ensuring safe and clear access throughout the site.
The planning of Eyrie House optimises views and keeps the surroundings connected to daily life. The garage is positioned on the upper level, with the main living spaces below, creating a functional and dynamic spatial relationship. Although the owner, a bricklayer by trade, was initially hesitant to use brick on site, the design incorporates block patterns and details in the joinery in a way that feels expressive and timeless. The exterior and facade stand in contrast to the rugged landscape, while strong horizontal lines and folded elements help maintain privacy throughout the home.
Inside, open, light-filled spaces frame panoramic views of the landscape, while defined terrace areas and gardens extend the experience beyond the building’s edge. The use of brick is echoed throughout the design, with its form reflected in various elements within the house. This creates dimensional consistency, producing patterns that flow both vertically and horizontally. The variety of surfaces and textures enhances the dynamism of natural elements, allowing light and weather to interact with the dwelling.
The variety of surfaces and textures enhances the dynamism of natural elements, allowing light and weather to interact with the dwelling.
Eyrie House is an idyllic retreat that showcases durable materials and expert brickwork. Matt Williams Architects honours the natural wilderness of Tasmania while overcoming the challenges of a difficult site to create an innovative and balanced design.
Architecture and interior design by Matt Williams Architects. Build by DS Building. Artwork by Emma Magnusson-Reid.