Hill House, a private residence designed by Matt Goodman in 2013 in Australia, is distinguished by its elongated, slender design, strategically oriented to capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding valley. The project skillfully integrates the building into its natural setting, with its linear layout maximizing the scenic vistas while ensuring privacy and seclusion.
Hill House Technical Information
- Architects: MGAO / Matt Goodman Architecture Office
- Location: Valla, NSW, Australia
- Size: 205 m2
- Status: Concept
- Project Year: 2013
- Images: © Courtesy of Matt Goodman Architecture Office
Each block opens out to the valley in a manner appropriate for the function of the room, by drawing the surrounding landscape into the interior spaces or by omitting the view to provide a sense of seclusion and privacy.
– Matt Goodman
Hill House Photographs
The Architectural Duality of the Valla Residence in Nambucca Valley
This private residence, nestled in Valla, a serene village in the Nambucca Valley on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, offers a unique architectural experience. Perched on a small plateau, the house is encircled by valley views on three sides and dense bushland on the other. Its design features a long, slender plan strategically placed along the northern edge of the plateau, ensuring optimal sunlight and stunning valley vistas.
The house presents two contrasting façades: the northern side is open and inviting, while the southern side offers a closed, uniform appearance. The southern façade, clad entirely in corrugated sheeting, echoes the rural character of the area and is reminiscent of the numerous barns and hay sheds along the Pacific Highway. This minimalist exterior cleverly conceals the internal activities and the breathtaking valley views.
Conversely, the northern, ‘open’ façade is segmented into three distinct zones dedicated to working, living, and sleeping. These blocks are seamlessly connected by a central corridor that doubles as a gallery, showcasing the client’s photography. Each section of the house interacts with the valley differently, with strategic openings that either integrate the landscape into the living spaces or provide a cocoon of privacy. This thoughtful arrangement allows each room to serve its purpose while maintaining a harmonious relationship with the surrounding environment.
Hill House Plans
About MGAO
MGAO (MATT GOODMAN ARCHITECTURE OFFICE) is a practice based in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. With a focus on social and sustainable Architectural projects of all scales.
