Victoria
Perched in the treetops on the hill behind Eltham Village, Silvertop House is a contemporary expression of the natural living synonymous with this beautiful locality and its inhabitants.
The house has an elevated L-shaped floorplan that take advantage of the sloping site while overcoming its difficulties. The front of the house is raised so the living spaces and deck are in the treetops enjoying unobstructed sunlight while maintaining privacy from the street below. The cantilevered deck draws occupants out into their leafy surrounds where vertical and horizontal Silvertop Ash timber slats provide more privacy and control summer sun.
From the street the rectilinear form appears to delicately float in the treetops. The façade changes from opaque to transparent as the Silvertop board & batten cladding transitions into semi-transparent timber slats. This rough-sawn hardwood, from sustainably managed Victorian plantations, is greying gracefully, blending the house into its’ surrounds.
Our home provides a way for us to connect to nature even during those times we need comfort, refuge and retreat from the outside world. That ongoing connection has a positive impact on us daily. The home also provides efficient spaces for work, study and individual pursuits but also generous and beautiful spaces where the family can come together. We derive great joy from the internal and external finishes of the home, from the hand-glazed tiles to the rough-sawn cladding, which reflect the urban bush surrounds that we love so much about Eltham
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
