It’s probably no surprise that a former Olympic snowboarder would choose to build an eco-friendly hilltop home perched high on rugged terrain. This modern, cosy retreat is the perfect rural escape.
Homeowner Joh Lyle, interior decorator at Siesta Home Interior Design and Styling Studio, recalls that when she and her husband Josh purchased the 500 acres of steep land seven years ago, it was virtually unusable. But they saw its raw potential.
“Just an hour outside of Melbourne, the location felt like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered,” Joh says.
Designing a Modern Eco-Friendly Hilltop Home
The homeowners briefed their architect to design a modern family home for themselves and their two teenage children. The goal: to feel like they were living on top of a hill, among the trees.
The land had previously been a working sheep farm, and Joh wanted the home to respect this heritage. “We emphasised the use of minimal, robust materials that would stand the test of time and endure the elements,” she explains.
A Contemporary Take on a Shearing Shed
The house is designed as two connected pavilions:
- Private Quarters Pavilion: The sleeping wing includes four bedrooms and an ensuite for the main bedroom. The children’s rooms make clever use of loft spaces above the bathrooms, creating extra sleeping areas.
- Living Pavilion: This open-plan space features a kitchen, dining, and living area designed to capture sweeping views. A powder room and laundry add functionality.
Between them lies a 220sqm deck, linking the spaces and providing ample vantage points to enjoy the surrounding landscape.
“This layout allowed us to blend functionality with the beauty of the natural environment,” says Joh.
Sustainable Design in an Eco-Friendly Hilltop Home
From the outset, sustainability was a guiding principle. The design uses steel, glass, and timber and adheres to passive house specifications. The home also has off-grid capability.
“This commitment to sustainability not only maximises energy efficiency but also minimises our ecological footprint,” Joh explains.
Joh and Josh, a builder, collaborated with a small, dedicated team to deliver the project. Their close-knit approach ensured craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a home that truly reflects their vision.
Challenges of Building a Hilltop Retreat
Building on steep, rugged land wasn’t without its hurdles. The roof design was particularly complex, and sourcing skilled professionals proved difficult. Logistics and accessibility also presented challenges.
To streamline construction, Joh reduced the range of materials, using them creatively across both pavilions. For instance, flooring from the living wing was mirrored on the roof of the sleeping wing, creating visual harmony.
A Home That Respects the Land
More than just a sustainable build, this eco-friendly hilltop home shows profound respect for the land. Joh sees it as more than a beautiful house—it’s a boundary-pushing project.
“This project reflects our dedication to achieving a seamless relationship between architecture and nature,” she says. “It’s a sanctuary that fosters connection and comfort.”
