the dunes
Set within the distinctive dune landscape of Sandbanks, this new-build house occupies a privileged position at the edge of the shoreline, where soft sand, salt-tolerant grasses and low coastal scrub define the character of the place. Sheltered by pockets of established trees yet open to sky and sea air, the building rises gently from its sandy setting, carefully composed to sit comfortably among its neighbours while maintaining a strong connection to the landscape.
The architecture draws directly from its surroundings. Pale masonry echoes the colour of sand and shell, while expansive glazing reflects sky and vegetation, allowing the building to shift subtly with changing light and weather. Solid, textured surfaces are balanced against smooth glass balustrades and recessed openings, creating a rhythm of depth and transparency that mirrors the movement and softness of the dunes.
The result is a calm, contemporary home that feels rooted in Sandbanks’ unique landscape - open to light, sea air, and views, yet grounded, restrained, and respectful of its sensitive coastal setting.
Architects - Mattinson Associates Team
Interior Design – Mattinson Associates Team
Landscape Design – Mattinson Associates Team
Location – Sandbanks, Dorset, UK
Visualisation - Marmalade Visuals
I have always loved the desert. One sits down on a desert sand dune, sees nothing, hears nothing. Yet through the silence something throbs, and gleams. - Antoine de Saint-Exupery

