Custom Home Extension and Renovation – Buckland Valley, Victoria

Project: Custom Home Extension and Renovation
Location: Buckland Valley, Victoria
Award: 2015 HIA Best Custom Built Home Over $1 Million
Builder: Bright Alpine Builders
Architect: FMSA Architecture
Kitchen Design: Wilko Cabinets

Overview

This award-winning off-grid lifestyle retreat in Victoria’s upper Buckland Valley showcases the craftsmanship and sustainability expertise of Bright Alpine Builders. Designed in collaboration with FMSA Architecture, the custom renovation and extension transformed a 1970s stone cottage into a timeless luxury home with a European alpine feel.

Built to withstand bushfire risk, operate independently from public utilities, and celebrate the beauty of local timber, this home is a standout example of environmentally conscious design fused with architectural elegance.

Design Features

Natural Timber Throughout
Timber is the heart and soul of this home, with extensive use of select-grade blackbutt and spotted gum internally and externally. From the striking 200kg dual front doors to a sculptural timber balustrade staircase, every timber detail was chosen and crafted by master builder Steve Graves with precision and passion. Timber brings warmth, durability, and long-term value — plus a natural scent and aesthetic that never go out of style.

Statement Entry & Staircase

The entry features heavy-set blackbutt double doors with custom barley-twist pulls. A slate floor laid to evoke a smooth creek bed leads to a standout staircase, constructed with staggered spotted gum slats that offer both artistry and safety.

Master Retreat

Upstairs, the adults’ retreat includes a timber-slat screen for privacy, a handcrafted red gum vanity, and a polished red gum soaker bath with sweeping views across the Alpine National Park. The use of local materials blends seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Kitchen & Living

Functional + Beautiful Kitchen Design: A large spotted gum timber-slab benchtop, inspired by traditional cattlemen’s huts, anchors the open-plan kitchen. The space includes a commercial gas stove and cast iron slow-combustion stove — offering sustainable, flexible cooking options for this off-grid home. A hidden butler’s pantry adds extra prep space and storage.

Living Areas

Open, inviting, and refined, the living spaces use timber, stone, and slate to echo the natural environment. The layout is designed for hosting, relaxing, and taking in the ever-changing alpine views.

Sustainability & Off-Grid Living:

Fire Safety Measures

Given the home’s bushfire-prone location, extensive precautions were built in, including fire-rated spotted gum cladding, external fire shutters, and a steel structural frame. Shutters also help protect internal finishes from UV damage.

Water & Power Systems

The property is completely off-grid, with solar power, diesel generator backup, and rainwater tanks supplying its needs. The chain-style downpipes direct water to a concealed creek-bed-inspired drainage system.

Sustainable Timber & Finishes

Timbers were selected not only for beauty but for fire resistance and durability. Externally, rough-sawn spotted gum weatherboards are treated with Cutek Grey Mist to provide a weathered look with modern protection.

Outcome

The completed home offers the best of both worlds: modern comfort and timeless natural character. The project demonstrates Bright Alpine Builders’ ability to:

• Work with complex planning overlays
• Design for bushfire zones
  Deliver off-grid living solutions
• Integrate seamlessly with the natural environment
• Collaborate with clients, architects, and trades to deliver high-end custom results

Looking to Build in the Alpine Region?

With over 40 years’ experience in building bespoke homes across North East Victoria, Bright Alpine Builders combines local knowledge, timber expertise, and a commitment to sustainable construction. Contact us to discuss your custom home or renovation project.