Architect · Australia · Born 1939
Richard Leplastrier Biography, Buildings and Best Books
Australian architect, born in 1939, of small, light timber houses in close dialogue with climate and landscape, such as his own house at Lovett Bay.
Image: Lovett Bay House, from the ArchEyes article
Biography
Richard Leplastrier (born 1939) is an Australian architect known for small, light houses of timber, steel and canvas that respond to climate, landscape and the way people live. A former assistant to Jørn Utzon and Kenzo Tange, he works on a small scale, often building with his own hands, and has deeply influenced Australian architecture through his teaching and master classes.
Sydney, Utzon and Japan
Leplastrier was born in Sydney in 1939 and studied architecture at the University of Sydney. He worked for Jørn Utzon on the Sydney Opera House and in Denmark, and spent time in Japan in the office of Kenzo Tange and studying traditional carpentry in Kyoto.
Houses in the landscape
His houses, such as the Palm Beach House and his own house at Lovett Bay on Pittwater (1994), reachable only by water, are light pavilions with operable walls and roofs that open to the bush and the weather.
Recognition
He received the Gold Medal of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in 1999 and the international Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award in 2004, and teaches with Glenn Murcutt and others in the Australian master classes.
Richard Leplastrier: Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award 2004
Published for his Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award, it presents Leplastrier’s houses and his approach to timber and landscape.
View on Amazon
Timeline
- 1939Born in Sydney.
- 1994Lovett Bay House, Pittwater.
- 1999Receives the RAIA Gold Medal.
- 2004Receives the Spirit of Nature Wood Architecture Award.
Best Books on Richard Leplastrier
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Richard Leplastrier?
Richard Leplastrier is an Australian architect known for small, light timber houses that respond closely to climate and landscape.
Did Richard Leplastrier work with Jørn Utzon?
Yes. He worked for Utzon on the Sydney Opera House and in Denmark early in his career.
What is the Lovett Bay House?
His own house on Pittwater, north of Sydney, completed in 1994, a light timber pavilion reachable only by boat.
What is the best book on Richard Leplastrier?
Richard Leplastrier: Spirit of Nature, published for the 2004 Wood Architecture Award, presents his work.
