Macedon Ranges House | Rural Sustainable Home | Darraweit Guim

Macedon Ranges House | Rural Sustainable Home | Darraweit Guim

A Home Shaped by Landscape & Resilience

Set atop a steep, bushfire prone site in Darraweit Guim, a rural town in Victoria’s Macedon Ranges, this home reflects a client’s vision, determination, and thoughtful master planning. With limited access to utilities and challenging terrain, the design prioritises bushfire resilience, sustainability, and a deep connection to the land.

Built using brick veneer construction suited to the owners' experience as builders, the home balances efficiency, durability, and family living. It seamlessly integrates private retreats, communal gathering spaces, and expansive outdoor areas, all while embracing the dramatic natural surroundings.

Seamless Indoor Outdoor Living

Positioned near the precipice contour, the home captures uninterrupted views of the southern boundary river, floodplain, and valley. The open-plan living area encompassing the kitchen, dining, and lounge maximises these vistas while fostering connection and functionality.

A continuous wraparound balcony extends the living experience outdoors, serving as both an alfresco dining space and a tranquil concourse immersed with the landscape. The private wing houses five bedrooms, a family bathroom, and an ensuite, ensuring both comfort and privacy. Below, the basement level offers an entertainment area, a second living space, a bedroom, and a wine cellar, with direct private outdoor access.

Designed for Bushfire Resilience

A CFA Bushfire Management Plan guided the home’s siting, landscaping, and access, ensuring emergency vehicles could reach the property during the February 2014 bushfires. This careful planning proved pivotal in protecting the home when fires ravaged the area.

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(See below - newspaper publications documenting the aftermath.)

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Sustainable & Off-Grid Living

With electricity as the only mains supply, the home is designed for self-sufficiency, featuring on-site water harvesting, waste recycling, and passive solar principles that enhance energy efficiency and year-round comfort. Thoughtful orientation and material selection reduce reliance on artificial heating and cooling, aligning the home with its natural surroundings.

Client Testimonial

“Robert designed a great masterplan for our 24 acre farm property allowing for CFA access that proved pivotal during the February 2014 bush fires that ravaged our countryside. Together with siting the house close to the precipice contour we enjoyed an economical efficient construction build and have spectacular views to both ends of the south boundary river. The design of the house is zoned to make privacy and large family gatherings a real joy, as we can enjoy the perimeter balcony as outdoor dining or contemplative break away viewing of the landscape. Electricity is the only mains supply, so all water and waste harvesting and recycling occur on site. Robert’s design provides a passive solar solution that works well with the limitations of site servicing. Since we were owner builders, Robert’s documentation and site visits always proved instructive. We thoroughly recommend the full architectural and interior design service. Couldn’t be happier with our inspired chalet.”

— Trevor & Maryanne | Macedon Ranges House

The Landscape in Motion

• River View During Construction – The house rises from the steep cliffside, surrounded by eucalyptus trees.

• North-Facing View – A tree-lined riparian edge reinforces the home’s connection to the land.

• Construction & Completion Photos – A visual journey from foundation to finished home.

For more on our New Home Design & Master Planning Services for Bushfire Areas, click [here]. Learn about Sustainable Architecture[here].

★★★★★

“Robert designed a great masterplan for our 24 acre farm property allowing for CFA access that proved pivotal during the February 2014 bush fires that ravaged our countryside. Together with siting the house close to the precipice contour we enjoyed an economical efficient construction build and have spectacular views to both ends of the south boundary river. The design of the house is zoned to make privacy and large family gatherings a real joy, as we can enjoy the perimeter balcony as outdoor dining or contemplative break away viewing of the landscape. Electricity is the only mains supply, so all water and waste harvesting and recycling occur on site. Robert’s design provides a passive solar solution that works well with the limitations of site servicing. Since we were owner builders, Robert’s documentation and site visits always proved instructive. We thoroughly recommend the full architectural and interior design service. Couldn’t be happier with our inspired chalet.”

Trevor & Maryanne | Macedon Ranges House