Known for its chandeliers, circular drives and tennis courts, Melbourne’s Toorak has welcomed a markedly different property offering, with the arrival of a modernist glass and metal rainforest retreat, Richardson House.

Designed by esteemed architect Robin Boyd in 1955 and suspended over a lush garden and dry creek bed by an innovative steel bridge, the heritage-protected home is listed by jewellery designer Karen Liberman, with a $15.9 million to $17 million price guide.