House on the Hill

Set on a steeply sloping site in Melbourne’s southeast, House on the Hill is a contemporary family home designed by Enclave Architects in direct response to its landscape. With a dramatic 35-degree fall and uninterrupted views across Lysterfield Park, the irregular shape and topography of the site became the starting point for this generous 520sqm residence, created for a couple with young children.

Rather than resisting the slope, Enclave allowed the home to follow the contours of the land. Constructed from aerated concrete panels and concrete-rendered masonry, the house is arranged as a series of interconnected pavilions ranging from single to three storeys. This approach creates a clear distinction between public and private zones, while maintaining a sense of intimacy within each space.

A Sequence of Spaces

Arrival is intentionally gradual. A landscaped promenade of stairs leads to a dramatic entry lobby, defined by generous wall space for art and an immediate connection to the garden beyond. Throughout the home, views are carefully curated rather than revealed all at once, encouraging a sense of movement and discovery as you move between levels and rooms.

Celestial windows and skylights introduce natural light deep into the interior, adding moments of drama and contrast. Materials are deliberately restrained, with polished concrete and dark-stained timber floors, minimal joinery, and angular walls providing a quiet backdrop that allows the architecture and views to take focus.

Modern Living, Carefully Resolved

The main living wing is skewed to embrace the northern aspect and valley outlook, housing the kitchen, dining, and living areas in a single open-plan zone. The kitchen is designed to remain visually minimal, with stone benchtops and splashbacks framed by two-pack painted joinery that conceals appliances. A fully equipped walk-in pantry and butler’s kitchen supports everyday family living while keeping the main space uncluttered.

A separate wing accommodates guest and utility spaces including a guest bedroom, gym, library, laundry, and bathroom. Upstairs, children’s bedrooms are positioned alongside a generous main bedroom suite, complete with ensuite, walk-in dressing room, and a private lounge retreat.

Clean Lines and Consistent Detailing

Intrim Shadowline® SK800B skirting and DJ800 door jamb features throughout the ground floor level, reinforcing the clean, flush-finish aesthetic. The recessed shadowline detail complements the minimalist palette, allowing walls, floors, and joinery to meet seamlessly without visual interruption. This consistency helps unify the varied spaces across the multi-level plan.

A Home Connected to its Surroundings

House on the Hill extends materials from exterior to interior, blurring the line between inside and out and strengthening the home’s connection to its environment. Indoor garden beds, framed by natural light, bring greenery into the heart of the plan, while expansive glazing ensures constant visual connection to the landscape.

The result is a contemporary family home that responds thoughtfully to its site. Rather than dominating its surroundings, it works with them, creating a series of bespoke, light-filled spaces that balance modern living with a strong sense of place.

Architect: Enclave Architects

Photography: Elise Scott