all images © Pattersons

Pattersons' modern ''Seascape Retreat'' was built by using all local materials and constructed largely from rock quarried near its site with in-situ poured concrete floors and an earth turfed roof, is located in Banks Peninsula. A romantic beachside cottage is set into a rock escarpment in a tiny boulder strewn South Pacific cove. It is a shelter designed as a honeymoon retreat for paying guests consisting of just three rooms, a lobby, living/sleeping and a bathroom. The project is a good example of ''contextualism'' since it was made up of all local resources and techniques.

The structure is integrated into the escarpment above to protect occupants from falling debris. The cottage is self-sustainable in respect to on-site water harvesting and wastewater treatment. The project incorporated an extensive reforestation and re-vegetation sub project.

Pattersons explains that ''its plan is an interlocking geometry responding to both near views of the Bay and far views out to Rocky Spires.  It is lined with horizontal macrocarpa wood. This timber forms integrated joinery, wall and ceiling panels behind double glazed low e-glass in storm and shatter proof steel mullions which utilise earthquake resistant sliding heads.''

areal view from the top- rocky landscape

roof lines are shaped according to the landscape

interior of residence integrated with the full view of nature 

interior details of ''seaside retreat'', covered with stone walls emphasizing locality

''plan'' shows a complete settlement of the house in the slope

> via pattersons.com