Leura House
Architect
James Stockwell Architect
Designed and Built
2003–2007
Design Architect
James Stockwell
Structural Engineer
Professor Max Irvine
Builder
Gerald Verhoeven
Location
Leura, Blue Mountains NSW
Main Residence
5 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 2 Car (garaged), Study, Studio & Loft
Second Dwelling
'Karoola' Cottage, 2 Bed, 1 Bath
Landscape
Craig Burton & Michael Bates
Photography
© Brett Boardman
Cottage & Garden
© Emma Hamblin
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Introduction
Almost every year since 1961, the Australian Institute of Architects has presented their highest honour for residential design, the Wilkinson Award, to a new dwelling they consider demonstrates particular excellence in design.
In 2008, the award went to James Stockwell for a house in the Blue Mountains, one hour west of Sydney. ‘Leura House’, set in one and a half acres of grounds, is inventive in design yet thoroughly practical. It’s a five-bedroomed house that appears to expand or contract, depending on how many people are at home; it’s also one that is entirely fitting to its setting – in its use of materials, its form and its response, in both active and passive terms, to the climate.
At the same time it induces a sense of calm and connection with the land, it introduces moments of playfulness – in all, it is a house that is both unexpected and ultimately logical.
“The house bears all the hallmarks of the inventive and the pragmatic, a building that is highly attuned to its setting and easily manipulated to take full advantage of the varying climate.”
“This solar energy-sustained Blue Mountains home in New South-Wales diverts from the Western notion of framing interior spaces in favour of the more Japanese sense of space which treats architecture as part of nature.”
The Design
Set in a pretty street close to the heart of Leura, the first clue that Leura House is particularly sensitive to its setting is, surprisingly, the presence of another house and part of an established garden on the site. Just inside the front gate stands a two-bedroomed cottage, built early in the 20th century and once the property’s main house, which has been cleverly incorporated into the new scheme, and now acts as self-contained guest accommodation.
The new, Stockwell-designed house stands in direct contrast to the timber cottage in all senses – long and low and L-shaped, its internal spine is of rammed earth, consisting of crushed sandstone mixed with a small amount of cement and chips of ironstone and quartz. As in the cliffs of the Mountains, the rammed earth wall, precise in its construction and golden in colour, seems to glow at certain times of day, bringing a sense of warmth to the entire house.
The quality of the rammed earth, used extensively throughout the project, is exceptional. The architect states that it is the best rammed earth of his career. Of particular note are the 90 degree corners, without the need for corner chamfers.
Its capacity to retain heat in winter and remain cool in summer, the rammed earth is an ideal response to the brief which expressed the wish for a passive solar design. It also directly addresses the request for a house that would, in some way, reflect the cliffs of the Blue Mountains. The strength and innate power from the verticals is palpable, giving the structure a presence that mirrors the towering cliffs, grounding the home in both its design and its environment.
The concept for the internal spatial planning was central to the design, and ultimately the pleasure of being in the house.
From the architect’s website:
[The internal spatial planning] ‘uses a Japanese method called ‘discontinuous unity’ brought to light in the 1940’s by Japanese architects Yoshizaka and Sakakura for the incomplete separation of spaces from one another.’
The configuration of the internal spaces created a more lateral reference to the Mountains with hidden doorways, changing ceiling levels and monolithic rammed earth blocks of different heights and mass, leading to a journey of anticipation and discovery reminiscent of a bushwalk as one moves through the house.
The L-shaped house pivots around a north-facing central core, which consists of the main communal areas – kitchen, dining, living with fireplace, games room, bathroom and reading room opening without a change of level onto a deep verandah, easily large enough to act as a secondary living and dining room.
A limited palette of materials – polished concrete floors, recycled blackbutt columns and hoop pine ceilings, with a mountain ash and granite kitchen, give a certain gravitas and strength while also connecting the house with its natural surroundings.
For the original owners, it was essential that the house be light year-round. To achieve this, the architect came up with an ingenious solution – a simple pulley system controls the pitch of the verandah blade roof adjusting the amount of light. The easy-to-operate rotating blade roof for the verandah, which allows the living rooms to be flooded with winter sun-light but, in its closed position, provides protection from the summer sun.
Within this more public part of the house is one of its most playful features – a hidden room which, while practical as a storage space, also references the caves of the area. Stairs lead up from the games room to a large light-filled loft, fitted with window seats/beds enough for at least four but, over the years, has regularly slept 12.
The two wings running off the central core, which contain bedrooms, can be closed off when required – in one direction lies the main bedroom, second bedroom, study and main bathroom with granite benches and Japanese-style bath; in the other, three more simple guest rooms and, beyond, a separate garden studio that opens onto a sunken outdoor space with firepit. The bedrooms in the main wing have window seats looking onto the garden; bedrooms in the guest wing open directly onto the garden.
“Architecture goes up a notch when you are surrounded by natural materials.”
“The award jury rightly credited the landscaping by Craig Burton & Michael Bates. Today, the house sits overlooking a sweeping lawn down to a restored natural bush gully with a clearwater spring and water channel.”
“The entry courtyard garden is full of surprises; curated, clipped and contained. Yet nothing prepares you for the glorious long views and specimen trees of the main garden. Designed to be and feel perfectly natural - a quintessentially Australian vista.”
The Garden
The design of the garden essentially creates two distinct areas. Closest to the house, an acre holds remnants of the original garden, along with a more formal, Mountains-style design. This includes rhododendrons, salvias, roses, lavender, and a persimmon tree, set against rolling lawns. Beyond this lies a gully, transformed through years of weeding, clearing, and thoughtful planting with the guidance of native horticultural experts. This effort has regenerated the land, creating what now resembles native bushland, complete with a mountain spring and walking tracks.
On the entry side of the house, an enclosed courtyard garden features a long, low pond that echoes the proportions of the main building. The spatial sequencing of the property’s entry and the house itself draws inspiration from the ledges and ponds of the Blue Mountains, with the experience of walking over running water becoming a central feature of the home’s early design. ‘Delightful’ is an understatement. The evening chorus of frogs, particularly the ‘bock, bock’ call of the Striped Marsh Frog, creates a serene atmosphere. The sight of abundant blossoms cascading over the main rammed earth wall evokes the serene beauty of Ryōan-ji’s garden in Japan.
Hidden gems:
The Wollemi Pine that was part of the early conservation program for one of the world’s oldest and rarest plants
Hidden gems:
The meditation garden to the east of the house
While passive solar elements have been carefully considered, environmental concerns have also been addressed in other ways – autonomous electricity is generated by 20 photovoltaic panels; a 100,000 litre water tank is contained under the main concrete slab, and floors are heated hydronically. Ventilation hatches throughout also help create cross breezes.
The construction of this house is as meticulous as the development of its design. Local builder Gerald Verhoeven, who employed highly skilled tradesmen, was responsible for it, for which he won the 2008 Master Builders Association award for the quality of the building work.
Essentially, this is a house that is flexible, liveable and eminently appealing. The architect’s thoughtful and considered approach to every single aspect has resulted in a design that reveals its qualities at different times of the day and night, all year round, resulting in a house that never ceases to delight, visually and emotionally.
“Both the house and the landscape work with the rhythms of the seasons and the light. Separately, each is beautifully designed, but together there is a rare harmony. It is this subtle but important quality that sets this property apart.”
Floor Plan
Download
Specifications
Address
28 Malvern Road Leura NSW 2780
Main Residence
5 Bed, 2.5 Bath, 2 Car (garaged), Study, Studio & Loft
Approx. gross internal area
400 sq m / 4,305 sq ft
Second Dwelling
2 Bed, 1 Bath
Approx. gross internal area
84.5 sq m / 910 sq ft
Approx. gross land area
5,887 sq m / 1.45 acres
Environmental considerations and Heating & Cooling
Passive solar design
Built with natural low embodied energy materials
The property generates its own power and collects its own water
Sited so all principal spaces enjoy a northerly orientation
Wide verandah rotating roof to allow winter sun and protect from summer sun
Protected from the southerlies and prevailing westerlies
Native vegetation and low water-use plantings
Heat pump hot water system
Heating: Hydronic in slab and thermal mass
Cooling: Hydronic in slab and cross ventilation
100,000L rainwater tank
For Sale by Private Treaty
Price Guide: On Request
View by Appointment
Modern House Estate Agents
National: 1300 814 768
International: +61 2 8014 5363
Email: viewings@modernhouse.co
We look forward to welcoming you to the house
Please call to arrange an appointment
Property History & Cottage
The story of Karoola [the property] goes back to early in the 20th century, when Alexander and Jane Knight bought nearly 6,000 square metres of bushland in order to set up a market garden. They built the cottage that stands at the front of the property, moving into it in 1908, and raising nine children there.
Their market garden was highly successful, eventually becoming a Leura institution. Where today’s verandah exists, they built a little kiosk from which they fruit juices to bushwalkers coming from nearby Lyrebird Dell and fruit, vegetables, eggs and milk to locals who became regular customers and friends.
When Alexander retired, two of his sons took over and when they, in turn, retired, the property was passed to Ethel Knight, an unmarried daughter. She lived alone in the cottage from about 1965 to 2001, when she died at the age of 92. During that time, she was well known for her community work, including the Red Cross, the Country Women’s Association and the Katoomba Auxiliary of the NSW Society for Crippled Children. Perhaps she had little time for gardening, as when the property went up for auction after her death, it was overgrown with weeds, almost devoid of native vegetation and the market garden was long gone.
Murray and Christina Wilcox, successful bidders at the auction, could, however, see its potential – its northerly aspect, its size and private aspect, its walkability to the shops and station. They realised that as the land sloped down to the creek, the views from a new house could never be built out.
Alex Strachan, an expert in native horticulture, designed a bushcare program that they implemented over a number of years, with enormous help from friends, to rid the land of weeds. They planted numerous native trees, mainly Eucalyptus mannifera, tea tree, cedar wattles, banksia, tree ferns and numerous Blechnum ferns.
The northern section of the land is now a self-sustaining approximation of what would have originally been there.
Adapted from original document, historical information by the late Hon Murray Wilcox AO, QC
“Karoola Cottage, a charming two-bedroom cottage dating from 1913, maintains the memory of the original property.”
This charming 1913 cottage has been lovingly maintained, preserving its period features while offering modern comfort. With two spacious bedrooms and one updated bathroom, the home strikes a balance between heritage and contemporary living. The kitchen has been updated but retains the original stove, a beautiful nod to the cottage’s heritage. High ceilings, timber lined walls & ceilings, and original sash windows create an inviting, nostalgic atmosphere.
Guest house, Caretaker’s Cottage or Gardeners’ rest, the cottage is a wonderful counterpoint to Leura House. Almost 100 years apart they sit at ease, side by side.
This home offers timeless elegance with thoughtful updates, ideal for those seeking a piece of history in the Blue Mountains.
For Sale by Private Treaty
Price Guide: On Request
View by Appointment
Modern House Estate Agents
National: 1300 814 768
International: +61 2 8014 5363
Email: viewings@modernhouse.co
We look forward to welcoming you to the house
Please call to arrange an appointment
Location
Leura, located in the heart of the Blue Mountains, is a village known for its stunning natural beauty, strong sense of community, and tranquil atmosphere. It offers a peaceful, residential lifestyle while still being well-connected to both the mountains and Sydney.
Surrounded by significant natural landmarks, including the Blue Mountains National Park and the nearby Three Sisters, Leura is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The area is ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the many scenic lookouts and waterfalls. Local parks, gardens, and reserves within Leura, such as Everglades House & Gardens, provide further opportunities for relaxation and recreation.
Leura is well-served by essential amenities. The village has a selection of schools in the surrounding area, both public and private, making it a practical choice for families. The Leura Mall, with its boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants, provides residents with convenient access to daily necessities and a vibrant shopping and dining experiences.
Travel to Sydney CBD from Leura typically takes around 90 minutes by car, offering a reasonable commute for those who work in the city but prefer a quieter, nature-rich lifestyle. Leura railway station also provides regular train services, with the journey to Central Station taking just under two hours.
Leura is well-positioned for access to other Blue Mountains attractions such as Katoomba, Wentworth Falls, and Blackheath, as well as the larger town of Penrith, which is about 45 minutes away by car. This proximity to both natural wonders and regional hubs makes Leura a versatile base for those seeking a balanced lifestyle.
In summary, Leura offers a unique blend of natural surroundings, village charm, and accessibility. It provides a stable and serene residential environment, ideal for those seeking a mountain lifestyle with the convenience of urban and regional connections.
Satellite view and aerial view: Leura lies to the east of Katoomba on the escarpment above the Jamison Valley
“Leura has a temperate climate characterised by cool winters and mild summers. The house is protected from the prevailing winds, which tend to come from the west and southeast.”
Architect: James Stockwell
James Stockwell Architecture, established in 2000, is recognised for its innovative and sustainable approach to architecture. The firm has earned notable awards, including the 2013 Alan and Beth Coldicutt Award for the Croft House and the 2008 Wilkinson Award for the Leura House.
Based in Sydney, Stockwell’s practice focuses on residential and small-scale public buildings. Each design is deeply influenced by its environment, integrating passive solar design, natural low embodied energy materials, and an emphasis on enhancing the relationship between architecture and landscape. Projects are designed to minimise environmental impact, generating their own power and collecting water.
Despite the firm’s accolades, Stockwell keeps the practice small to maintain close involvement with clients and builders, ensuring each project is finely crafted and uniquely responsive to its setting. His background includes working as project architect for two Robin Boyd Award-winning houses under Peter Stutchbury, as well as experience in urban design and landscape architecture.
Stockwell has been a keynote speaker at various architectural conferences and has taught at Australian universities, most recently at Sydney University and UNSW. The firm continues to develop projects across Australia and New Zealand, emphasising the connection between architecture and its environment.
Both the Croft House and Leura House were standout projects in their respective award fields, reflecting Stockwell’s commitment to sustainable, context-driven architecture that engages deeply with its surroundings.
Architect's Drawings
Awards & Publications
Awards
2008 AIA NSW Wilkinson Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)
2008 AIA National Architecture Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)
2008 Master Builders Award
Published
Architecture Bulletin - Jul/Aug 2008 Awards Edition
Architecture Australia (AA) - Nov/Dec 08
Monument #88 - Dec 08/Jan 09
World Architecture (WA) #243 - 09/2010
For Sale by Private Treaty
Price Guide: On request
View by Appointment
Modern House Estate Agents
National: 1300 814 768
International: +61 2 8014 5363
Email: viewings@modernhouse.co
We look forward to welcoming you to the house
Please call to arrange an appointment