Leaf House by Undercurrent Architects

The art of architecture can take its followers on a majestic voyage, featuring projects that require painstaking restoration or remarkable transformation. The dedication in converting an obsolete, timeworn construction into a glorious architectural artwork is a skill not many can boast. Being able to complete such a radical change, whilst simultaneously creating an artistic masterpiece in its own right, is something that most architects strive for.

Undercurrent Architects, the brains behind Leaf House in Sydney’s north, have done just that. At face value, the structure appears to be an artwork, its roof and base blending seemlessly into the surrounding vegetation and terrain. But, Undercurrent Architects’ Didier Ryan and German Perez Tavio go further in demonstrating their exceptional skill and imagination, with the house striking an attractive aesthetic pose from its escarpment overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The self-contained cottage forms part of a private residence, extending the functionality of the existing building through new activity areas, whilst redirecting those pesky characteristics such as noise, mess, or other public activities away from the house.

The building is an experience, with visitors able to be both inside and out concurrently, the two spaces blending together as one. The building is nestled fittingly within the tree line, consisting of a simple yet effective design of a canopy roof over a stone podium and a glass enclosed deck. The materials palette blends with the landscape, the corrugated copper roof sitting beautifully amongst the surrounding trees, and the quarried sandstone base cleverly mimics the nearby rock outcrops.

Improvisation played a major part in the production of the leafy-like structure, achieving high technical complexity without exceeding project cost constraints. Like an architectural Mona Lisa, the house can be viewed and experienced in the round, including above and below. As people move within and around the building, the effect is one of constant change, its impact continually occurring wherever visitors may be. In order to achieve such an effect, the design features complex connections between materials and the environment, with the landscape informing the structure, with links to set up synergy with the setting, and irregular and organic character added in response to the territory. Appealing oversailing roof shells of draped copper resemble fallen leaves, and are held together by a structure of twisted steel beams, reminiscent of the tree branches outside, that work in conjunction with the stressed-skin roof panels, reflecting the stepped terracing of the surrounds. The structure is bunched towards a single load point as it heads towards the beach, confronting visitors with striking panoramic views.

From garden level, the building takes on a more flowing style, with the terrain unfolding below the roof canopy and shaped by the building it passes through. The contours of the roof align perfectly with the encircling hill, drawing the focus towards the picturesque coastline and forming deep awnings for solar control. Three retaining terraces add interest to the design, with an upper level entry, a partially submerged main deck and an excavated lower level. The latter fronts as a kind of thermal sink, counterbalancing the exposed upper levels, and featuring a private and cosy library, bedroom and living area.

Undercurrent’s construction process involved an intricate and involved process of assembling the building at an off-site location with industrial boat building methods, resulting in a rougher, hand-made quality, rather than the sharp precision normally seen with building steel. Twisted steel was connected in varying segments to form the sweeping structure, before being moved to its permanent home and reerected using a simple yet effective locating process to readjust the complex forms. Since the final resting spot was difficult to access, excellent co-ordination and sequencing was required to transport everything intact.

PHOTOGRAPHY: Hugh Rutherford

 1. The artistic feel of Leaf House is achieved by the canopy roof over a stone podium and glass enclosed deck, with stunning views overlooking the Pacific Ocean, rugged native bush and manicured garden. 2. The gaps between roof layers permit light to infiltrate inside. 3. The interior of the main deck is open to the garden outside, bordered by a balcony and sundeck. 4. The twisting structural support bunches into a single load point facing the ocean, unleashing panoramic views and freeing the perimeter. 5. A structure of twisted steel beams, reminiscent of intertwining vines and branches, support the draped copper roof.