Lovely Leaf House Topped by a Crown of Copper Leaves

This lovely residence in Sydney, Australia is characterized by the crown of curvy copper panels that form its roof, resembling a pile of falling leaves. Called the Leaf House, its glass walls allow the residents to feel like they are inside both the house and the <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/categories/gardening">garden</a> that surrounds it at the same time. The charming home was designed by <a href="http://www.undercurrent-architects.com/">Undercurrent Architects</a>, who also incorporated sustainable systems such as passive cooling, heating and other <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/energy">energy</a>-saving strategies.

It's clear that the Leaf House's roof is inspired by nature, and the reference to plants continues inside the home where a vine-like structural system "grows."

The "vines" that thrive inside the home.

"The design draws imagery from nature and expresses this through the structure, creating links between the interior and exterior," says <a href="http://www.undercurrent-architects.com/">Undercurrent</a> of their design.

"The building location is viewed and experienced in the round; from all sides, above and below."

"The design is therefore unique from every aspect, constantly changing in relation to the surroundings."

The house incorporates many environmental principles such as a passive heating/cooling system and low energy <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/lighting">lighting</a>, appliance and power systems.

Rainwater retention techniques are also used and many of the materials that make up the house were site-sourced.

"[The house] combines these sound environmental design principles with both high &amp; low-tech material applications, to produce a building that is harmonious, responsive and engages the environment," say Undercurrent of their fetching <a href="http://inhabitat.com/category/green-home-101/">green home</a>.

The interior of the home is understated and uses a natural color scheme.

A view of the house at night.

A view of the copper roof from above.

Can't you just imagine curling up inside the Leaf House's walls with a good book?