Leaneagh House
The Leaneagh (Aspen leaf) house is situated on the very best site Haertling ever had to work with. High above north Boulder at the crest of a foothill, the views of the plains extends almost a hundred miles. Denver 40 miles away is clearly visible, as is the eerie orange lights of Rocky Flats at night.
As usual, Haertling spent a good deal of time getting to know the clients. After several weeks, Haertling began developing design concepts.
From notes on his sketches it is clear Haertling was working with two inspirations of relating the structure to the site. One was an organic form growing from the earth, and the other a pedestal on which to build a structure. He chose the pedestal which was to be a "large space, with protruding balconies." The major component of the house was to be, in his words a "cape-like structure covering." Haertling was also seeking an organic/sculptural roof form generated by straight lines. Eventually Haertling developed the aspen leaf concept. A concept sketch of a view from below that is so similar to the completed structure indicates that this design was one of those that came to Haertling "in a flash." The clients indicated that when Haertling came to them with this design, "it was almost perfect."
The construction of the pedestal for this house is unlike any other designed by Haertling. An extremely sturdy foundation was built embedding most of it into the hillside. Exposed aggregate was used for all exterior and interior walls and the 27 columns around the house to support the massive roof. Haertling's choice for contractor was the master builder Mel Fuller, who had worked with Haertling on other projects, like the Davis, Brenton, and Goodman house. Mel is renown for his mastery in exposed aggregate. Just inside the entry of the house is a floating ring of exposed aggregate under construction. Haertling was often heard saying that these parts of the building would make beautiful ruins in 1,000 years.
The floating ring is the center from which all the rafters of the roof radiate in an intricate pattern. These had to be measured with extreme care. Haertling was so pleased with Mel's work on this that he presented him with a photograph. By this time in the construction of the house it became easy to see how dramatic it would be. The roof was then covered with heavy plywood. A sealed copper skin was used as a roofing material for its high durability and aesthetic appeal.
The interior of the completed structure is truly breathtaking. The entry is the center of the house with the floating ring above, and five steps down to living room. The view to the east is dramatically enhanced by the high peak of the roof. A view toward the bedroom reveals Haertling's use of half walls which adds to the open feeling of the house.
