Intelligent lighting control enhancing a biophilic architectural masterpiece in the heart of the Cotswolds features Rako.
Set within the Cotswolds, the largest National Landscape in the UK, Leaf House is a striking contemporary residence designed by Michaelis Boyd, co-founder of Michaelis Boyd Architects. Defined by its organic form and deep connection to the surrounding environment, the home embraces a biophilic design philosophy where architecture, landscape and light exist in harmony.
To support this vision, a carefully considered lighting scheme designed by John Cullen Lighting was paired with a fully integrated system from Rako Controls, a leader in UK-manufactured lighting control systems. The result is a home where lighting is not only functional, but intuitive, atmospheric and seamlessly aligned with luxury countryside living, say its creators.
Organic Vision
Leaf House was conceived as a calm, immersive living environment that blurs the boundary between indoors and out. Soft curves, natural materials and expansive glazing define the architecture, while the lighting is designed to allow the building to take centre stage.
The ambition was to use light to quietly reveal form and texture, creating depth through layered illumination while maintaining a constant visual connection to the surrounding landscape. Central to this was a control strategy that could adapt effortlessly throughout the day, supporting both the architecture and the rhythms of daily life.
The project required thoughtful lighting design guidance to ensure that technology enhanced rather than distracted from the design intent. Here, lighting design and lighting control play a crucial role as integral parts of the architectural experience.
The Challenge
Realising this vision required close coordination between lighting design and control.
The architectural complexity of the house, from flowing geometry to double-height volumes 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 an integrated lighting control system tailored to the 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 and 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 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 was designed to be 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.
Design Collaboration
The success of Leaf House is rooted in close collaboration between Michaelis Boyd Architects, John Cullen Lighting and Rako Controls.
This integrated approach highlights the value of aligning lighting design and control strategy from the outset, ensuring technology enhances rather than competes with the architectural vision.
Photography – Internal: James Balston Photography, Jamesbalston.com
Photography – External: James McDonald Photography, Jamesmcdonaldphotography.co.uk