Located on the Aireys Inlet, Victoria, Australia, the Aireys House by Byrne Architects has a privileged location high on a cliff, overlooking the ocean. Aireys Inlet is a small coastal village known and loved for its quiet casual nature, a counterpoint to the higher density development creeping along the coastline from Torquay. For this project we were fortunate enough to have a site high on the cliff line with spectacular views to the famous Aireys Lighthouse, Eagle Rock, Lorne and the ocean beyond.
The water, sand and gravel tracks were all elements that inspired the design approach: “Central to the concept are ideas of fluidity and exploration. Our aim was to emulate the fluid and permeable environment. There is no front or back, and the house is entered from various levels. The landscape undulates and continues around the house“, explained the architects. The house is essentially three levels, although both ground and first floor are split at key moments to take advantage of views and connect back to the landscape. A basement houses a three car garage, workshop and wine cellar. There are three bedrooms at ground level, with the master bedroom, living and kitchen on the first floor. There is no front or back, and the house is entered from various levels. The landscape undulates and continues around the house. Every turn leads to new and often surprising spaces within and around the house.
