Composed and Calm – Oak Tree House by Susi Leeton Architecture and Interiors

Words by Bronwyn Marshall
Photography by Peter Bennetts

A composed and calming abode connected to nature, Oak Tree House sees soft materiality and curved forms combine to create an idyllic residential setting. Susi Leeton Architecture and Interiors combines restraint and subtleties to propose a welcoming home set around its own generous oak tree.

Spread over three open-planned and plentiful levels, Oak Tree House sits comfortably back from the boundary edge, allowing space to celebrate the tree-lined street it sits upon. Integral to the success of this home was the careful intertwining curation of the landscape and its natural forms with the built elements. Imagined as a series of soft forms on the site, there is an overarching feeling of control and composure exuding from the calming composition of elements. The use of select muted materiality and curved forms internally as well as externally creates a tranquil escape. Susi Leeton Architecture and Interiors brings an understanding of sensibilities and subtleties to conjure a welcoming family home in a unique setting.

Spread over three open-planned and plentiful levels, Oak Tree House sits comfortably back from the boundary edge, allowing space to celebrate the tree-lined street it sits upon.

The use of select and muted materiality and curved forms internally as well as externally, result as a home emerging as its own idyllic residential escape.

Set around its own established oak tree from which the project takes its name, the home’s connection and openness between inside and out is expressed through the fully operable steel and glass façade and its soft flowing drapery. The layered approach of textures and finishes creates a home of subtle variation, all within the same considered palette. Muted neutral tones are used throughout and ease the transition between the internal zones outward into the landscape. Intentionally, the landscape is designed to climb and grow, to naturally provide subtle shading and dappled light. The landscape plays an integral part as the setting for the home, and the architecture is deliberate in its expression as an object within a garden while also acting as an extension of the internal shared living space.

Off-form concrete comes together with softly rendered and polished plaster walls and wraps up over the sculptural internal spiral stair. Connecting the levels, it stands as a sculpture within a sculpture and hints at its purpose and functionality while adding a gently curved element within the space. Taking cues from the art deco style, the curves throughout hint at movement and circulation and add an element of craft. Respectful in many ways, the form of the home sits back from the street and from the stables, allowing their history to be celebrated concurrently. Concealed, a courtyard and curved glass abated a town planning requirement and act as a subtle divide between the kitchen and living, while creating the ideal setting for the pool.

Taking cues from the art deco style, the curves throughout hint at movement and circulation and add an element of craft.

Oak Tree House is both conscious and considered in all its efforts. Susi Leeton Architecture and Interiors has created a unique and tranquil home that celebrates its surrounding natural elements and beautifully encourages its own sense of calming seclusion.

Susi Leeton Architecture and Interiors combines restraint and subtleties to propose a welcoming home set around its own generous oak tree.

Off-form concrete comes together with softly rendered and polished plaster walls and wraps up over the sculptural internal spiral stair.