The ancient architype of The Castle as an Outpost or Fort is rarely articulated in the modern world. This New Zealand farmhouse project explores this typology by being both commanding and defensive in one form.

© Simon Devitt

Architects: Pattersons

Location: Muriwai, New Zealand

Design Director: Andrew Patterson

Project Architect: Andrew Mitchell

Area: 472.0 sqm

Project Year: 2009

Photographs: Simon Devitt, Jean Luc-Laloux

Team: Andrew Patterson, Andrew Mitchell, Luke Douglas, Grant Scurr

Builder: Ross Seward Builders

Electrical: Craig Scobie Electrical

Painter: PJS Painting Contractors
Plumber: Chris Wilson Plumbing

Engineer: CPG New Zealand

© Simon Devitt

The ancient architype of The Castle as an Outpost or Fort is rarely articulated in the modern world. This New Zealand farmhouse project explores this typology by being both commanding and defensive in one form.

© Simon Devitt

There is no modification to the landscape other than the sentry of the form itself. Wind and sea spray thunders up from the ocean some 60 metres below and the form wraps around to protect a circulation courtyard from the rugged and harsh coastal environment. The resulting structure defends that same environment.
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