Marraweeney | Tom Robertson Architects

Marraweeney is a weekend retreat in country Victoria. A contemporary home of elegant simplicity, designed to sit comfortably in the landscape while exuding a quiet presence on the hill. The site on the high point of a ridge was carefully chosen to maximise views, with the design mindful to avoid making an overpowering statement.

A low-profile roof keeps the form grounded, while the house itself rests on a recessed plinth, allowing native grasses to grow uninterrupted beneath and give the impression of floating above the land. As the afternoon sun arcs across the building’s simple horizontal form, shadows move across the façade through a rhythmic sequence of columns. The careful placement of these columns allows the expansive vistas to take centre stage from within.

The material palette is deliberately minimal.
Exterior charred timber cladding and dark steel detailing contrast with the light, flowing grasses. Inside, the design remains equally restrained. Cool-toned burnished concrete floors extend seamlessly outdoors, offset by the warmth of spotted gum timber veneer in the kitchen and ensuite. A 1.8-metre-deep, full-length verandah stretches along the main living and bedroom wing, referencing the traditional farmhouse vernacular, providing shade from the northwest sun, and creating an outdoor living space.

A separate guest pavilion allows families and groups to experience the retreat together. While providing a comfortable living experience, the home was also designed to be off- grid. A large solar system with battery storage provides power and extensive insulation, including under the slab, ensures thermal comfort year-round. An un-typical country house for Victoria’s countryside, Marraweeney embraces the simple pleasures of a rural escape—somewhere to come together, slow down, and bask in the views.

Credits

Architecture Firm: Tom Robertson Architects

Lead Architects: David Ascroft

Photography: Tom Ross - tomross.xyz

Builder: Hateley Construct

Stylist: Jess Kneebone