pattersons builds remote seascape retreat on volcanic mountainside

pattersons builds remote seascape retreat on volcanic mountainside
image © simon devitt
all images courtesy of pattersons associates

the seascape retreat, designed by auckland-based studio pattersons associates is situated in a small cove on the northern shore of two miocene shield volcanoes in the seascape banks peninsula. remote, quiet, and picturesque, the site provides a perfect atmosphere for honeymooners to get away. the modestly sized structure contains a lobby, living/sleeping room, and bathroom, and embeds itself into a rocky escarpment that almost makes it disappear into the topography, dwarfed by the scale of the surrounding geographic masses. due to its remote nature, the project is 100% self sustainable in terms of water collection and wastewater treatment, creating alongside the construction of the structure the development of a reforestation and re-vegetation project.

image © simon devitt

the structure is built primarily of locally-quarried stone and cast-in-place concrete floors and ceilings. the thick roof seems to peel off the sloped volcanic mountainside extending the vegetation to its parapets, almost concealing the building from above while strong enough to withstand any falling debris. stone walls form part of the exterior which interlocks into completely glass walls that frame a 3/4 view of the nearby cove rock formation, but also appear throughout the interior strengthening the sense of site. the storefront glass walls sit proud of the floor and ceiling structure making the connecting structure invisible from the inside and suggesting a sense of floating over the ocean. timber planks of various widths form a soffit oriented to pull the eye to the surrounding rugged terrain, with embedded lights that form bright streaks in the ceiling.

view from the volcano above
image © simon devitt

‘when designing in beautiful natural environments like these it helps to take the positive view that human beings and therefore our constructions are a natural part of our planet, like the rocks and trees we are children of mother earth, but with that relationship comes responsibility and respect.’ – architect andrew patterson

image © simon devitt