Quietly immersed in the wilds of its alpine setting, a model of resilient design and refined luxury sits in respectful harmony with its natural environment. The clean lines and careful decisions that define the structure as the residence of architect Rob Mills and his family demonstrate how self-sufficient architecture can deliver both off-grid independence and a superior quality of living – a place for escape, adventure and personal restoration.
Howqua River Lodge has been a passion project for Mills for many years. “This place, deeply connected to my family for generations, holds great personal significance,” he reflects, noting his father once worked for the Howqua Valley Forest Commission, measuring available timber. “He fell in love with the location – the solitude of the wilderness, the power of the mountains and the grace of the river. Everything we now cherish about the place, he cherished first.”
Eventually, Mills’ father purchased land in the valley and built a small fishing hut, where holidays were shared with family, friends and nature. Those formative experiences instilled in the future architect and founder of RMA a lasting appreciation for the landscape and a desire to honor it. “We designed and built Howqua River Lodge as a place to gather and enjoy life’s most precious moments,” Mills describes of the property and the home itself. “It’s designed for restoration and reflection. Mornings are quiet and unhurried. Days are filled with quality time sitting by the fire, walking in the wild and exploring the outdoors. It offers a welcome pause from the pace of everyday life – somewhere to slow down and truly connect with the land and those around you.”
The journey from concept to completion was both collaborative and rewarding for the architect. From the beginning, the philosophy was to touch the earth lightly, and at every stage, they worked with local trades and suppliers whose craftsmanship and deep understanding of the region played a vital role in the outcome. “Their commitment to quality and connection to place are evident in every detail of Howqua River Lodge,” Mills affirms, adding it has been built for permanence and longevity with little maintenance required. “This is a multigenerational home with a legacy built to last. This is what we believe to be a sustainable home.”
That belief includes the idea that living in a home designed to be self-sufficient and resilient allows its residents to reclaim a sense of freedom and experience an element of purity. “People are increasingly craving the peace and quiet of remote locations, where they can disconnect without compromising on comfort or luxury,” he asserts. “It’s the same desire that draws people to places like Montana or Deer Valley. It’s not just a home; it’s a way of life and a respite from otherwise busy lifestyles.”
The interior design of the residence draws inspiration from the surrounding landscape, with a focus on durability, sustainability, layered warmth and well-being. The enveloping use of spotted gum timber is employed throughout the interior to create a seamless connection to the environment. “We distilled down to the minimum number of materials to design with, and the timber is an example of that,” Mills explains. “It’s both sustainable and resilient, while drawing from the vernacular traditions of rural architecture and embracing a refined, contemporary sensibility.”
It’s an ethos that applies to the firm’s work overall. Across its practice, RMA has noted a distinct shift toward a more meaningful way of living: one that is deeply connected to place. “Architecture and design play a vital role in shaping how we live,” Mills asserts. “Homes should be built with longevity in mind – enduring structures that respond to the land and are truly loved and valued. When we achieve that, the building becomes something that nurtures its inhabitants and is cared for across generations.”
On the Horizon | RMA Establishes a New Outpost in Los Angeles
With projects underway across the globe, Mills was ready to expand and felt the calling of American shores. RMA will soon open the doors to an office in Los Angeles, a strategic choice for the practice, as LA offers a direct connection to both Sydney and Melbourne. Reflecting on the fires of early 2025 that changed the LA landscape, resulting in the need for entire communities to be rebuilt, Mills expresses that, “across the world, we are seeing environmental events that challenge our well-being and safety at home. To acknowledge the changing world environment, we have designed architecture that gives a building the chance of survival in the event of fire and we choose land for our clients that is not exposed to floods.”
Photography by Anson Smart.
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