Rob Mills Architecture & Interiors has completed an innovative off-grid retreat called Howqua River Lodge, nestled in Australia's Victorian Alps. The sustainable home features interiors entirely wrapped in spotted gum timber sourced from the surrounding forests, creating a seamless connection between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Located in the scenic Howqua Valley, this project holds deep personal significance for studio founder Rob Mills, whose father once worked for the Howqua Valley Forest Commission and purchased land in the area. The native gum trees that populate the surrounding forests directly inspired the home's most distinctive design element – the extensive use of dark spotted gum timber planks that envelop the living spaces.
"Howqua River Lodge has been a passion project for many years – a self-sufficient retreat immersed in the wilds of the Victorian Alps," Mills explained. "This place, deeply connected to my family for generations, holds great personal significance. The home is a place to holiday, unwind, reconnect, escape and adventure. The earthy tones, natural textures and restrained forms of the spotted gum timber allow for the surrounding landscape to take center stage."
The architectural design consists of three parallel, interconnected pavilions that step down the sloping site. Each pavilion features walls of pale, rough-rendered brickwork topped by overlapping, sloped metal roofs punctured by angular chimneys. The studio carefully selected a material palette of hardwood timbers, stone, and bagged rendering throughout the structure to complement the surrounding landscape and regional vernacular architecture while introducing elements of joy and playfulness to the interiors.
"Howqua River Lodge draws on the traditional forms and materials of the region's alpine architecture, resulting in a timeless design deeply connected to the natural environment and surrounding landscape," Mills noted. "We introduced beautiful stones from around the world, playing with color, light, and texture. We didn't hold back – we allowed ourselves to be expressive and joyful with the material palette. Like telling a good joke, we believe a home should balance seriousness and playfulness."
The layout strategically organizes the living spaces across the three volumes. Two southern pavilions house the bedrooms and a recreation room, while the northernmost volume contains an expansive open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area. This main living space features three almost entirely glazed walls and sliding doors that frame spectacular views of the surrounding alpine landscape. Glazed corridors connect the interior volumes, while an exterior terrace wraps around the home's perimeter, providing intimate seating areas for the bedrooms and expanding into a larger dining terrace on the north side.
Inside, the sloping roofs incorporate clerestory windows that draw natural light across the timber-lined ceilings and into more private spaces. The bathrooms showcase a different aesthetic with pale pink and cream plaster walls complemented by elegant marble fixtures. Mills emphasized the design philosophy behind the timber treatment: "By continuing the timber across the ceilings, the interior becomes deeply connected to the land, creating an immersive and grounding experience. We distilled down to the minimum number of materials to design with and the use of timber is an example of that."
The outdoor amenities enhance the retreat experience with carefully designed recreational spaces. To the east of the main structure, a fire pit anchors a circular, stone-paved terrace that features a plunge pool and comfortable daybeds. On the opposite side, tucked alongside the bedroom volumes, guests can enjoy a traditional sauna and a separate cold plunge pool for the complete wellness experience.
Sustainability and self-sufficiency were paramount in the lodge's design and engineering. A comprehensive solar array installed on the roof enables the home to operate completely off-grid, while an integrated rainwater collection system ensures water independence. The property manages wastewater through an innovative closed-loop worm farm system. As part of a comprehensive bushfire preparation strategy – essential in Australia's fire-prone alpine regions – the home includes a protective bunker and dedicated water storage facilities.
"Though designed for off-grid living, the lodge makes no compromise on comfort," Mills assured. "State-of-the-art systems operate seamlessly, allowing the home to perform efficiently. Here, sustainability is seamlessly integrated, enhancing rather than defining the experience."
This project joins a growing trend of sophisticated off-grid architecture in Australia, alongside other recent notable examples such as Heather's House in rural Victoria by Gardiner Architects and Cooroy House by design duo Henry Bennett and Dan Wilson. These projects demonstrate how contemporary Australian architecture is successfully balancing environmental responsibility with luxury and comfort, creating new models for sustainable living in the country's diverse landscapes.
