Project challenges

Realising this vision required close coordination between lighting design and control.

The architectural complexity of the house, from flowing geometry to double-height ceilings and long sightlines, demanded a system capable of responding with precision across multiple layers of light. Subtle shifts in intensity and balance were essential to maintain consistency between spaces without drawing attention to the source.

As an off-grid home powered by renewable energy, performance and efficiency were equally critical. The lighting control system needed to support energy-conscious living while delivering the level of refinement expected in a high-end residential project.

The solution

At the heart of the project, Rako delivered a fully integrated lighting control system tailored to the unique architectural and environmental demands of Leaf House.

A network of RAK-8 dimmable control modules was deployed across both the main house and the adjacent Long Barn, enabling precise management of the diverse lighting system. This flexibility allowed each layer of light to be carefully calibrated.

The Long Barn, which houses guest accommodation and a home office, is fully integrated into the wider control strategy, managing external lighting between the barn and the main house, ensuring safe, clearly defined movement between the two buildings after dark.

Rako’s WCM-D interfaces provide intuitive control from third-party keypads across multiple areas, including the entrance sequence, kitchen dining space, and main living areas. Lighting scenes have been thoughtfully programmed to adapt to different moments throughout the day.

Externally, lighting plays a vital role in extending the architectural experience into the landscape.  A Rako WAV-MI module integrates with external PIR sensors, automatically activating exterior lighting on approach, whether arriving by car or on foot. This not only enhances security but also creates a welcoming arrival sequence, subtly revealing the form of the building within its setting.

A “House All Off” function at the main entrance allows the internal lighting to be quickly and efficiently shut down, supporting both convenience and energy management.

Throughout the project, the technology remains discreet, enabling the lighting to perform with precision while maintaining the architectural clarity of the space.

The result

Lighting at Leaf House is experienced rather than seen. 

It enhances the softness of curved walls, emphasises vertical volume and draws the surrounding landscape into the interior, particularly after dark when carefully balanced exterior lighting extends views beyond the glazing.

The integration of intelligent lighting control ensures that the atmosphere evolves naturally throughout the day, from bright, open daytime environments to calm, intimate evening settings. At the same time, the system supports the home’s off-grid operation, optimising energy use without compromising on quality or comfort.

By combining the design expertise of John Cullen Lighting with the advanced control capabilities of Rako, Leaf House demonstrates how lighting can elevate both architecture and experience, setting a new benchmark for sustainable, design-led smart homes.