The primary ambition of this project was the preservation of Pier House in its authentic historic form. Over many years, the coastal landscape had been gradually slipping towards the sea, placing both the property and its setting at increasing risk. Mattinson Associates was appointed to design a comprehensive landscape, outbuilding and civil engineering strategy that would stabilise the site and secure the future of this remarkable Victorian seaside villa for generations to come.

Our brief included the design of a new summerhouse and garage, carefully crafted to sit seamlessly within the architectural language of the original house. Equally important was the landscape design, which needed to integrate significant retaining and stabilisation structures into the steeply sloping site without compromising its character or natural beauty.

The engineering challenge was substantial. A sophisticated four-tiered system of interventions was developed to address the site's long-term stability. The first line of defence stabilised the woodland above the property, preventing further ground movement. A second retaining structure formed a generous terrace directly connected to the principal living spaces, creating an elegant outdoor entertaining area. Further down the slope, a third level introduced more intimate landscape spaces for quieter enjoyment. Finally, a robust coastal defence system was established at the shoreline, both supporting the retaining structures above and protecting the site from erosion caused by rising sea levels and increasingly severe storm conditions.

The success of the project lies not only in the technical achievement of securing a challenging coastal site, but in the subtlety of the design response. Through careful integration of landscape, architecture and engineering, the interventions appear effortless, allowing the historic villa to remain the focal point. The result is a restored and protected coastal setting that celebrates one of the few remaining Victorian seaside houses still able to be appreciated in its original splendour.