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Published4 January 2025

A short history of the River House

The River House is of historical, architectural, aesthetic and technical significance to the State of Victoria.

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Facade of River House

A significant example of post-war modernist architecture sitting on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River) in Kew.

Peter and Dione McIntyre designed the house in 1953-54, using a structural system developed by engineer Bill Irwin. The house was then their home and workspace for twenty years.

The ingenious design made the most of a small site, building above the flood level. Its siting on a bend in the river enables dramatic views of the house from several vantage points.

A similar structural approach was also used for the Olympic Swimming Stadium which was also designed by McIntyre and Irwin.

1953 Dione Mc Intyre painting of house with original external colour scheme
Facade of River House
River House viewed from the Richmond side of the river
Cantilevered western end of River House extending over a wooded site, viewed from below through mature trees.
Rear view of River House showing angled walls and windows set among dense vegetation.
River House viewed from Victoria Bridge

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