Yarra Valley House

Built several years after the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires destroyed the original house, the home connects people and building to the surrounding landscape through a restrained palette of natural, tactile materials. It overlooks a spring-fed pond and a bush amphitheatre.

The central pavilion takes in views to the pond and forest, while two mirrored side pavilions, linked by glazed walkways, provide private guest accommodation. Rammed earth walls reference the local earth and the pitched roof recalls the original dwelling.

Large north-facing stacking doors open all three pavilions onto timber decking. The owners named it 'Pobblebonk Lodge' after the local frog; the pond is now home to a platypus and the Pobblebonk frog.