The Leaf House is designed to accommodate 3 generations
of a large family plus an intermittent stream of
guests and large family gatherings.
The principles of the house stem from a deep understanding
of the local vernacular tradition of breezy open
living areas, large overhangs and generous ceiling
heights.
The house also employs a number of more sophisticated
and vernacularly tested techniques to temper the
climate - monsoon windows; which allow ventilation
during torrential downpours. Stilting the house
to catch higher velocity winds above ground level.
Expansive garden areas blur the relationship between
the inside and outside as well as creating a microclimate
around the house. These strategies help create a
comfortable environment in a tropical climate without
additional energy input.
A sense of transparency and immateriality as well
as framed distant views provides the house with
a sense of place. This house will pioneer the use
of environmental technologies which have not been
widely implemented at a domestic scale.
