In Maori culture, architecture is approached as a construction of beliefs: a building must emulate and amplify personalities, hopes, and aspirations, becoming a physical expression of those who inhabit it. These ideas and others are the inspirations behind the design projects of New Zealand architect Andrew Patterson, who has been designing houses and civic projects in the country for over thirty years.

This book showcases fourteen of Patterson's recent houses, offering both an overview of the spectacular homes and a photographic journey through New Zealand from stunning seascape retreats to mountain cabins. Each house reveals how Patterson's architecture responds to the region's breathtaking landscape--telling the story of the country's cultural history and creating a sense of place and belonging. This volume is interspersed with thematic sections that present Patterson's key influences, such as the culture and lifestyles of New Zealand, and Maori architecture, art, and mythology.