Joyful, original and it has a waterfall: The house that Jack built

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By Annalisa Capurro

September 20, 2025 — 5.50am

In 1957, a single house became pivotal in redirecting Australian architecture. The Jack House – designed by young architect Russell Callum Jack with his wife, Pamela, as their family home – won the Sir John Sulman Medal, marking a turning point in postwar modernism.

Architect Russell Jack and his dog Toby at the 1972 Forsaith house in Pymble, which he designed.

Drawing attention from Melbourne’s pioneering movement to Sydney, it paved the way for an architectural style known as the Sydney School.

That same house transformed Jack’s life, propelling him to national prominence as one of Australia’s most innovative postwar architects. Half a century later, the Jack House changed mine too, when I had the rare privilege of purchasing it from him. I gained my dream home, a mentor, a friend and a bond that shaped all that followed. This connection makes his loss more profound.

On August 15, Russell Jack died at the age of 100. He had celebrated his milestone birthday on January 13. His legacy lies not only in his buildings and awards, but in the humanity of his vision and the lives he touched. Mine was one of them.

Annalisa Capurro and her daughter India, 10, in 2013 at Jack House. Jack, who designed and lived in the Wahroonga house, had been “interviewing” potential buyers for the right custodian. He selected Capurro.

My path to Russell began in 1996, while researching Sulman Medal-winning buildings for the Museum of Sydney’s exhibition catalogue Architecture in Transition: The Sulman Awards 1932-1996. Among them was the exquisite 1957 Jack House, suspended above a creek with a mini waterfall, seamlessly nestled into its bush landscape.

Embodying influences from Frank Lloyd Wright, Japan and Scandinavia, the house stood apart for something rare: its embrace of decoration. Jack’s restrained use of graphic wallpapers and Marimekko fabric defied the modernist rejection of “ornament”. As an interior designer, I was captivated – here was modernism that was joyful, human and unapologetically original. It was my dream house.

His architectural journey

After serving in the RAAF during World War II, Jack studied at Sydney Technical College and in 1952 he won the Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship. On the voyage to Europe, he met fellow architect Pamela Lyttle, who later became his wife. Together, they explored Europe and Scandinavia in a second-hand London taxi, shaping his belief that architecture should be warm, human and filled with joy.

Annalisa Capurro with Russell Jack at his 100th birthday celebration on January 13.

In 1956, after returning to Australia, Jack co-founded John Allen and Russell C. Jack, which evolved into Allen Jack + Cottier, one of Australia’s leading architectural firms. Within a decade, Jack became the only architect to win all three of the nation’s top residential awards: the Sulman Medal, for the Jack House (1957), the Wilkinson Award, for the Jacobs House (1963) and the Canberra Medallion, for the Cater House (1965). He was later honoured with the RAIA’s 25-Year Award.

Meeting the man

In 2008, I had the extraordinary opportunity to purchase the Jack House. Unbeknown to me, Jack had been “interviewing” potential buyers for the right custodian. To my good fortune, he chose me. I pledged the Jack House would not be hidden away but that it would serve as a showcase for his vision and the relevance of mid-century modernism.

For the past 17 years, I kept that promise. Through tours, lectures in Australia and America, symposiums, film and television productions, photo shoots – including a memorable Vogue Australia spread with Cate Blanchett – the Jack House played its part in a wider revival of interest in mid-century modernism.

Jack and I found an immediate kinship. We shared a love of modern architecture and design, particularly Scandinavian, a wry sense of humour, and even an unlikely family link: his beloved labradoodle, Geordie, was bred by my cousin.

Jack had struggled after Pamela’s death in 2006, but he shared that my presence and passion had given him new purpose. Despite his achievements, he never sought the spotlight, preferring to stay in the background, quietly encouraging.

We shared many architectural adventures – seeking out his distinctive letterboxes, attending open inspections of his houses, lamenting poor renovations and enjoying reunions with his clients. For me, the greatest gift wasn’t the Jack House but the man himself. He became my dearest friend, an adviser, a mentor and another father figure. His wisdom and humanity have shaped me profoundly.

Preserving his legacy

In 2013, I was instrumental in having the Jack House added to the NSW State Heritage Register. Its inclusion in Dominic Bradbury’s Atlas of Mid-Century Modern Houses (Taschen, 2019) confirmed its global importance.

The creek and waterfall underneath the Jack House.

From 1976, Jack taught at the University of NSW, shaping generations of students. Over the years, I’ve met many, and one theme always emerges: Jack taught more than design skills – he imparted his personal vision that endures in the work of those he inspired.

Jack lived to see renewed appreciation for his work and to celebrate his 100th birthday. He will be remembered for his wisdom, his generosity of spirit, his wonderfully dry humour and his abiding love of dogs.

Predeceased by his wife, Pamela, Jack is survived by his children, Nicola, Kate and Matthew, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and his beloved dog, Toby.

Annalisa Capurro is an interior designer and an architectural/design historian.

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