Lynda Kison: 2008

Family, creativity and nature are the three key ideas driving this design as it was found that these were most important to Leunig. The house is designed, although to be contemporary, but to also be of character, including a sense of warmth and homeliness. The choice of materials help to enhance this quality.
The simple shapes of the house are not a reflection upon Leunig’s intellect or work, as it is far from that. It has come from what has seen to be a requirement on the simple life he is after and upon his reserved character, and has been quoted as saying “The only thing worth being in this life is a simpleton. Yes, a simpleton.” He is not extravagant and his home considers that.
The home has been separated into three main areas, with each including more curves in progression from private, to public, to work spaces. The entrance leads to a choice between the family room and the kitchen/dining where the children’s study is situated in-between. While this study can be closed off (by ‘folding’ opaque doors), they can also be opened up, allowing the rooms to join to become a large family space where connection of family members becomes important. These spaces take full advantage of being North facing, with its large windows also providing wonderful views.
A large open passage allows view out (and access) to the boardwalk path but which also leads on to the private area of the house – the bathrooms and bedrooms, all with large tilted windows for views up the hill of trees.
The separated spaces specifically designed for Leunig and his work is accessed by a meandering path, giving time for reflection and perhaps admiration and enjoyment of the nature surrounding him. The downstairs gallery displays his work, houses his books and the door that leads up to the studio space is not easily noticed, being a part of the wall that opens up, providing a ‘secret’, quiet space allowing him to be messy with his work.