Patonga House is a family beach home located at the mouth of the Hawkesbury River, overlooking Patonga Beach. Its design embraces the concept of "wearing in, not wearing out"—a philosophy that draws from the natural, weathered patinas of a small coastal town. Settling quietly among a row of timber weatherboard houses, Patonga House evokes the summers of the client’s childhood, aiming to instil a deep love of this place in their daughters. The materials and design reflect a timeless vernacular, intended to weather gracefully into the erosive coastal environment, rather than standing out.

Tucked behind a row of towering Norfolk pines and sand dunes, the house is elevated on a concrete platform to protect it from tidal surges. The front of the house is framed by two smaller timber pavilions, which face the street and form a private, sheltered central courtyard.

Inside, the primary living area is defined by dramatic shifts in volume, creating distinct zones within an open-plan layout. The design makes the most of the surrounding Norfolk pines, using them for shade on the eastern side, while also capturing abundant western light to illuminate the double-height living space. A novel window, positioned to the north, projects the changing seasons of light across the space, serving as a "timekeeper" of the home—marking the passage of time and seasonal shifts with subtle, natural beauty.

Designed with family gatherings in mind, the house offers a modest footprint yet accommodates up to 12 people. Despite its compact scale, it provides multiple indoor and outdoor living spaces, with a second garage serving as a flexible overflow room when needed. The layout encourages connection, both with each other and with the environment, offering an adaptable and inviting atmosphere for all ages.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design. The house makes extensive use of locally sourced and recycled materials. The primary structural elements—large timber posts and beams—are salvaged from a disused bridge on the Clarence River, giving the home a sense of history and permanence. The kitchen island is crafted from recycled teak, repurposed from workbenches at a NSW science lab, and internal doors are made from a mix of recycled Australian hardwoods. Australian spotted gum boards line the interiors and exteriors, enhancing the natural, beachside feel of the home. These materials, carefully selected for their durability and sustainability, contribute to the house's sense of timelessness and connection to the Patonga context.

Patonga House is a thoughtful, sustainable and durable response to its coastal setting. It integrates functional, well-considered spaces with an environmentally conscious approach. This reinterpretation of the beach house vernacular embodies a deep respect for its place, blending the enduring qualities of traditional beachside homes with a modern sensibility and a focus on sustainability. The result is a home that will age gracefully, just as the memories of summers spent here will endure.