channel islands magazine by PHIL AINLEY

Issue #1/5

FREE COPY

April 2012

this issue q 04 Clifton Heights

Construction Magazine

q 09 Les Bourgs Hospice q 26 Guernsey Design Awards q 41 Jardin de haut

Channel Islands Construction Focus The premier information tool for the construction industry www.premierconstructionmagazine.com

contents

featured 04 Clifton Heights 13 St. Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lifelong Homes 21 PF+A 26 Guernsey Design Awards 41 Jardin de Haut 46 ROK Construction

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from the editor

Publisher ROMA Publications

Dear readers, On 11th May 2012, the most innovative and influential architectural designs will be justly awarded at the Guernsey Design Awards. The event is a joint contract between The States of Guernsey Environment Department, The Guernsey Society of Architects and Norman Piette and will showcase all of the exemplary work that has gone into enhancing the Island’s built environment. Managing Director of Norman Piette, Clive Fenner, commented: ”The Guernsey Design Awards are a great way to celebrate both the architectural and construction industries in Guernsey and recognising excellence in these fields fits perfectly with what Norman Piette stands for.” In this edition of the magazine, we explore the work of PF+A, CCD Architects, BAS Mooarc, Lovell Ozanne and Tyrrell Dowinton Associates – all of whom have been shortlisted for the prestigious Guernsey Design Awards.

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Managing Director Marcus Howarth EDITORIAL Editor: Charlotte Emily Brazier Phone: 01706 716 255 Email: charlotte@romauk.net

Of course, not every project can be nominated for an award. We therefore also explore the every-day projects that are helping to shape the Channel Islands. In St Trinity in Jersey, a new £1 million horticultural nursery distribution centre has opened. The centre is owned by the Public of the Island and operated by Acorn Enterprises, and will further opportunities for disabled people through the provision of employment in the horticultural and retail sectors. Lakeside Manor will soon open in St. Peter in order to provide support for people living with dementia. The 60-bed care home will join existing facilities on the site – Lakeside and The Pavilions – to form what will collectively be known as Lakeside Village. Clifton Heights is the latest project for commercial developer Comprop and will create fourteen high-quality residential units for Les Canichers, Guernsey. Once complete, the development will bring contemporary living to a highly desirable area of the Island. We now invite you, readers, to join us as we celebrate the award-worthy projects that are changing the Channel Islands forever.

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Work commenced on the ÂŁ6 million project in April 2011 and funding came from both Comprop and bank investments.

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Reaching new heights

brand new residential development will bring fourteen new high-quality residential units to Les Canichers in Guernsey. Clifton Heights is the latest project for commercial developer Comprop and will see the construction of thirteen local market apartments together with an open market penthouse. As the final phase of a much larger development, the project will bring contemporary living to a highly desirable location on the Island. Guernsey based contractor R G Falla is the main contractor and BAS Mooarc is the architect. BAS Mooarc has been involved with the project from the initial planning stages and will continue to work on the project right through to its completion. The development is being constructed to the rear of the recently completed Glategny Court development, which is a 65,000 sq ft four-storey

mixed development that comprises an office block and two car parks. Clifton Heights has been built on an area of land above the main office car park and benefits from secure underground car parking. Comprop sees the development as the final piece in the jigsaw of their Glategny project, which was completed in September 2010. Work commenced on the ÂŁ6 million project in April 2011 and funding came from both Comprop and bank investments. Cooper Brouard and The Living Room are currently marketing the property. Once completed, Clifton Heights will present an impressive four-storey building that is situated above the basement car park. Featuring a blockwork and concrete frame, the development will also include a balcony for each of the upper floor apartments and a communal terrace at ground level. In addition, the basement car park will be accessible to all residents and each of the thirteen units will be allocated a

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single car parking space, whilst the penthouse will be allocated two spaces. BAS Mooarc Project Architect, Debbie Joyce, said: ”As the building is between existing properties, the external design of Clifton Heights is sympathetic to the neighbouring building. This includes fitting sliding sash windows and incorporating traditional mouldings to the front of the building. However, the more contemporary rear elevation features large windows that create light and airy living spaces and maximise the views across the town, harbour and islands.” Another interesting aspect of the project is the concept of making each apartment unique. Each unit will feature variations of fixtures and fittings that differ from one apartment to the next. Comprop (C.I.) Ltd Managing Director, Steve Marie, said: ”What we are creating at Clifton Heights is an exciting new concept that offers a contemporary style whilst complimenting the aesthetics of the existing street scene. ”We are working very closely with BAS Mooarc in order to ensure that Clifton Heights blends in with the existing landscape, including the surrounding properties. For instance, whilst the rear of the building is quite contemporary, the front is almost Georgian in appearance. ”The design of the units is to offer flexible living and we’ve been very selective when choosing the

high-quality finishes. Three different types of kitchen are being installed so potential buyers have a greater selection to choose from. We strongly believe that options like this are the key to making developments of this nature a success and we’re confident that these units will exceed expectations. ”Furthermore, the close proximity to Saint Peter Port is expected to attract people who work in the business sector and want a short commute to work.” Clifton Heights is currently wind and water tight and work continues to progress well. The project is on schedule to meet the expected completion date of August 2012 and early interest in the units from potential buyers has been encouraging. Steve Marie said: ”As work on Clifton Heights continues to progress well, we’re beginning to engage with the remainder of the programme. I’m very pleased with how well everyone involved with the project has worked together and I’m especially pleased with the work that has been conducted by R G Falla. ”We’ve produced a marketing brochure and appointed two firms of local agents and with marketing now underway, we’ve already received a fantastic response. ”A project like Clifton Heights is not only extremely important to us, it’s important for the Island too. Over the past few years it has been very difficult to get developments off the ground so it’s great to be able to put money back into the local economy.

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”Clifton Heights will inject £6 million back into the Guernsey economy. Combined with the £30 million provided by our recent Glategny Court project, the development illustrates how we’ve been able to help the construction industry over the last few tough years. ”We’re more than happy to continue pushing forward with developments in Guernsey. We’ve just made two new planning applications, the first for 36 high quality apartments on the site of the former Guernsey brewery at Havelet and the second for outline planning for 215,000 sq ft of mixed use development at Admiral Park. ”We have confidence in Guernsey and that’s why we continue to invest here.”

RG Falla

RG Falla has been a familiar name in Guernsey since 1956. Over the last 55 years, the award-winning company has worked on a number of high profile projects that have helped to shape this beautiful island. RG Falla’s impressive portfolio includes a number of new constructions and refurbishments, including: Les Nicolles Schools, Fermain Hotel, Vega Apartments, the Royal Court building and Marina View. The company has recently completed a £35 million scheme for Comprop to construct two four-storey 90,000 sq ft office blocks at Admiral Park in St Peter Port and a £22 million development for LPE Ltd to construct a high-tech financial institution. RG Falla is part of the Garenne Group, which invests specifically in the development of construction, property and industry related businesses operating in the Channel Islands.

BAS Mooarc

BAS Mooarc is an award winning local design practice specialising in high-end residential and commercial developments. The company has a diverse portfolio that includes sports facilities, large scale commercial offices and retail units including such projects as Glategny Court and the Garenne Stand. Whatever the project, BAS Mooarc is committed to the pursuit of architectural excellent through innovative design, materials and building methods. BAS Mooarc Design Director, Jamie Falla, said: ”Quality and durability to the client are the key areas that we focus on. We listen and observe to understand the needs of our client and then we make suggestions that will add historic value to each project. ”We really enjoy what we do and we pride ourselves on our commitment to the design and investment that we are making to the Channel Islands.”

”Over the past few years it has been very difficult to get developments off the ground.”

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Creating a community at Les Bourgs Hospice

he new state-of-the-art Les Bourgs Hospice has begun to provide vital care for terminally ill patients in Guernsey. Designed to address a specific need within the community, the ÂŁ4 million development comprises seven specialist rooms for patients and a day hospice where people can call in for treatment on a daily basis. Les Bourgs Hospice replaces an existing hospice on the site that had unfortunately ceased to provide the necessary levels of care. The project began in October 2010 and was completed in November 2011, with RG Falla as the main contractor and CCD Architects as the architect. Interestingly, the development has incorporated both the reconstruction of the original hospice and the construction of several new modern buildings. Whilst the revamped hospice features a rendered finish and a slate roof, the modern additions have been constructed using glass and timber and feature a tiled roof. Comprising approximately 1600 square metres of space, the two-storey development features accommodation

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”We wanted to get away from the clinical feel that you can sometimes get with this kind of building.”

for patients on the ground floor and administration, restrooms and nurse changing rooms on the first floor. Sustainable features include high levels of insulation and air source heat pumps to facilitate underfloor heating. The buildings have been constructed around a carefully landscaped central garden area, in essence establishing the garden as a room in itself. Patients may look out onto the garden or be wheeled out in their beds onto the veranda, where they each have their own private space. Due to the shape and accessibility of the site, the reception area and patient accommodation are on opposite sides of the development. In order to link the two facilities, a glass corridor runs over a live stream that runs through the middle of the site. Andrew Dyke, CCD Architects, explained: ”We wanted to get away from the clinical feel that you can sometimes get with this kind of building and create a building that would cater to the needs of the community whilst providing something fresh and new. ”This is a very important project for the community and I think the fact that we live on an island has been a great help, as people can be made much more aware of the work that is being carried out. This is one of the reasons why fundraising has been so successful – the island has managed to raise a huge amount of money in a fairly short space of time. ”Because the community takes such projects to heart, designing the new hospice was a responsibility as well as a privilege. We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to design such an unusual and exciting project.”

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St. Peters makes a life-long commitment to senior citizens

new life-long housing development in St. Peters, Jersey, has created fourteen new retirement homes for senior citizens. The £3.5 million project began in April 2011 and has seen the construction of fourteen modern retirement homes and one warden unit in Field 633, which is located to the north east of St. Peter’s Village and La Grande Route de St. Pierre. Architects for the project are Arkitecture Ltd and the main contractor is Camerons Ltd. As an area that was zoned under the 2002 Island Plan Policy H3 as a site for Category A Housing, the site satisfies the criteria laid down in Policy H12 to meet the specific needs of the elderly and those with disabilities.

The life-long homes will be available to rent and have been designed to accommodate both fit and less able people over the age of 60. A socially supportive and stimulating environment, the development will enable the residents to live independently in the Parish community for as long as possible. Connétable John Refault said: ”In 1973, WP led the creation of the first of several village developments across the Island with ninetysix family homes in Ville Du Bocage. In 1978, fourteen bedsits and one bedroom flat were added at Maison Le Marquand for our needy senior citizens. ”The addition of fourteen life-long homes at Field 633 gives us today a significant and varied offering of Parish-led homes for our parish. ”The Field 633 development complements the

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earlier high-quality developments in our parish, in company with our superb Youth and Community Centre and arguably the best-designed village development in Ville Du Bocage and the adjacent La Grande Piece.” The homes are arranged in seven pairs of semidetached units and each of the homes is an attractive modern construction with a total floor

area of 76 square metres. All of the homes have two double bedrooms for the occupant and their carer, with the master bedroom featuring an accessible shower ‘wet room’. Internal living spaces rise to one-and-a-half storeys with a glazed outlook to the open countryside beyond, whilst the quiet bedrooms are located towards the interior of the site. Each unit has also incorporated two car parking spaces and 50 square metres of private amenity space to the rear, whilst the warden unit is located at first floor level over Units 13 and 14 and comprises two bedrooms totalling 78 square metres. In order to create a contemporary and sustainable development, the units feature a traditional pitched pantile roof that has been constructed from glulam timber beams, columns and structural roof decking. External Bre-Soleil and highly insulated glass with integral vertical blinds help to control solar heat gain and loss whilst creating a light, open space. The homes have been designed to comply with the current regulations for sustainable development. As a result, the materials selected – including the glulam timber structure/roof decking, roof pantiles, glazed walls, aluminium windows, doors and fascias– have been chosen in order to meet the latest environmental regulatory requirements for new homes based on BRE’s Ecohomes. Sustainable features include energy efficient

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electric heat pumps and underfloor heating to remove the need for wall-mounted radiators. In addition, low energy lighting has been incorporated throughout the design. One of the most important sustainable features is the use of glulam timber beams, which has proved both cost and energy efficient. Statistics show that glulam is competitively priced compared to other structural materials, whilst the lower weight leads to savings on foundations, transport and erection. Benefits include impressive levels of insulation, which subsequently eliminates the risk of cold bridging where the frame may penetrate external elements of the structure. In addition, the relatively low thermal mass helps to reduce fuel bills by absorbing little space heating energy. Alan Pickup, Arkitecture Ltd, explained: ”Each dwelling could only have a maximum floor area of 76 square metres and each unit had to include two double bedrooms. An open-plan layout was therefore considered a priority in order to facilitate the maximum usage of the available floor space and reduce the need for wasteful circulation space. ”The laminated timber structure comprises glulam timber columns, beams and 75mm thick solid timber roof decking that has created a timber ceiling with clear spans between the structural rafter beams. All of the structure and the stainless steel fixings have been left exposed, which has established a pleasant and natural appearance. ”Laminated timber is a renewable building material that is environmentally friendly, energy efficient, economical and easy to work with. Not only is it an attractive material, but it also possesses an excellent strength to weight ratio.” Also included in the scheme is the provision of carports, which are located immediately adjacent to the main entrance door and offer covered access for occupants. Specifically designed for disabled residents, the carports will facilitate the dignified off-loading of wheelchairs from cars. Landscaping has included several communal garden spaces in the central area and the adjacent La Grade Route de St. Pierre. Semi-mature trees, planters and bushes decorate the site in a funky green manner, whilst the private amenity spaces comprise paved patio areas with a lawn and trees. Ground conditions prevent water from draining away quickly and the development was only permitted to have a very small run-off of surface water into the surface water drainage system. As a result, a sustainable urban drainage system (SUDS) using permeable paving and stone subbase construction was designed to retain surface water onsite during heavy rain, before allowing it to drain away naturally over a period of time.

Vehicular access was considered from both La Grande Route de St. Pierre and La Verte Rue, however the consensus of opinion between all parties deemed direct access off La Grande Route de St. Pierre the best option. In addition, the existing adjacent bus stop was relocated and a new purpose-built shelter is proposed using materials that are sympathetic to the development. The existing substation on the corner of the site has also been retained, which has saved the need for expensive relocation. Alan Pickup, Arkitecture Ltd, said: ”The project has progressed well, thanks to Camerons’ site management team. In fact, the project is due to be completed ahead of programme and within budget. ”We consider ourselves very fortunate to have won this competition. We had an excellent main contractor, a great professional team and competent subcontractors. The parish of St. Peter, in particular the Connetable John Refault, shares our vision of a contemporary design for the development of life-long homes. ”An important aspect of this is the use of traditional materials to create a relaxed, open-plan living space for the elderly – which I believe we have managed to achieve.”

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Nursery distribution centre opens

brand new £1 million horticultural nursery distribution centre has opened in Jersey. The building located in St Trinity was completed on 24th February 2012 – 3 weeks ahead of the contract completion date. The new facility includes a workshop, training rooms, manager’s office, kitchens and welfare facilities and a retail area. The site is owned by the Public of the Island and is operated by Acorn Enterprises which is part of the Jersey Employment Trust – an independent body whose aim is to help people with disabilities find employment. The development will enable the Trust to further the opportunities of disabled people and allow them to gain experience in employment within a horticultural and retail environment. From the outset Acorn wanted the largest building it could afford to maximise its usage and allow for future expansion. This necessitated a significant amount of cost benefit analysis and creative design solutions from the design team. What was delivered was a robust, fit-forpurpose building that will now support and enhance the work of the Jersey Employment Trust. Jersey Property Holdings Architectural & Building Services – led by senior architectural assistant Jonathan English – were responsible for the overall design

of the project. The mechanical and electrical services were carried out by Keith Reynolds and David Atkinson. The project quantity surveyor was Mike Hopkins from Woodward Burton Associates and the structural engineer was Luke McNamee from Hartigan. Camerons Limited was the main contractor for the project, whilst Jason Luce was the construction manager, Craig Ferry was the on-site project manager and Stuart Green was the project surveyor. Tony Norman from the States of Jersey Property Holdings was the overall project manager. Construction began in August 2011 with the erection of a steel portal frame to form the main structure of the centre. Aluminium windows were then installed throughout, with Kingspan cladding panels fitted to the exterior of the building and power-floated painted concrete slabs on the floor. Internally the building features full height fair faced block work with painted finishes to suit the intended purposes of each area. Additional features include air handling units, fire alarms and low energy light fittings. Exterior ground works involved the redirection of utilities into the building including drainage, water and electrical services. A public car park was created in order to equip the site with parking for customers. A number of improvements

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From the outset Acorn wanted the largest building it could afford to maximise its usage and allow for future expansion.

were also made to planted areas around the site, including the planting of shrubs and flowerbeds. Once the main construction work was completed, the building underwent a full fit-out to provide the retail space with loose fixtures and fittings. Camerons Limited Managing Director, Marc Burton, said: ”During the tender period we quickly identified that Acorn Nurseries needed the facility by the 21st of March to hit the current growing season and this subsequently created one of the project’s biggest challenges. With such a short construction window, we had to radically redesign the programme of works in order to facilitate an early completion. ”Out of all of the other companies tendering, we were the only contractor who could achieve the deadline date and that’s what helped us to win the contract. In the end we actually managed to complete the project three weeks earlier than planned, which was a fantastic achievement on our part. ”The client was very pleased with the work and the early completion allowed them to maximise this year’s growing season - which is vital for their business.” Marc Burton added: ”The building is practical and functional and it trebles the size of the distribution centre’s floor space. This will help Acorn Nurseries to generate more income through the sale of additional products and it is therefore a great long-term investment for them. ”This has been a really great project to

work on and it should see the building remain fully usable for the next 25 years. “The client spent ten years trying to get this project off the ground, so for us to get it completed within such a short time frame has really made all the difference.”

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Providing care at Lakeside Manor ”The quality of the design and workmanship reflects the level of high quality care.”

brand new 60-bed care home will soon open in St. Peter to provide support for people living with dementia. Lakeside Manor will open in April 2012 and will provide dedicated dementia care for prospective residents, along with high quality residential and nursing services. The care home was built on behalf of Major UK care provider Barchester Healthcare with AC Mauger as the main contractor and Robert Adam as the architect. It will join existing care facilities at the site – Lakeside and The Pavilions – to form what will collectively be known as Lakeside Village. Founder and Chief Executive of Barchester Healthcare, Dr Mike Parsons, said: ”The quality of the design and workmanship reflects the level of high quality care our Barchester homes pride themselves on. Lakeside Manor will complement the existing care we provide here at Lakeside and will create about 100 new jobs on the island.” In order to celebrate the completion of Lakeside Manor, a number of ceremonies have taken place ahead of the grand

opening. The first of these milestone events was the topping out ceremony, which involved the installation of a weather vane to the roof of the building. The decorative device was guided into position by AC Mauger and unveiled by Constable John Refault and Barchester Healthcare Founder and Chief Executive, Dr. Mike Parsons. The topping out ceremony was followed by the burial of a time capsule. This was attended by pupils from the nearby Bel Royal Primary School, along with Constable John Refault and Chief Executive of Style Group, Andy Fleet. The capsule contained the latest edition of Jersey Evening Post, a photograph of Lakeside Manor taken during construction, postcards of the local area and a copy of Jersey magazine ‘What’s On’. Lakeside Manor Village Manager, Gina Lim, said: ”I’m pleased that younger generations of Islanders have got involved as residents do like to see them taking part in activities in and around the home. This is a momentous occasion and when it’s time to dig up the capsule 50 years from now, Lakeside Village will be a longestablished part of the community.”

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Barchester Healthcare

Barchester Healthcare is an awardwinning organisation that provides care for patients in the UK. The company prides itself in its dedicated care provisions for people living with dementia and has developed an assisted living programme called Memory Lane Communities that actively encourages independence. Barchester Healthcare employs approximately 15,000 people at 220 locations across the country and this number is set to rise to 234 locations by September 2012. The 14 additional state-of-the-art care developments will provide Barchester Healthcare with 766 top quality bedrooms that will all offer care and support at locations that include Jersey, Cheshire, Warwick, East Sussex and Surrey.

SIG Design & Technology

As one of the subcontractors on the Lakeside Manor project, roofing contractor Ken Bailey chose Rhepanol fk single ply from SIG Design & Technology for its aesthetic quality plus speed and

ease of installation for multi-use roof applications. There are two main roof areas to the project each measuring some 200 m2. Rhepanol fk in light grey was bonded to the timber deck and fitted to the gutters on either side; a lead capping encloses the total area which is waterproofed Rhepanol fk. Rhepanol fk is the only PIB single ply roofing membrane to have a full Life Cycle Assessment in accordance with ISO 14040 part ff, proving its environmental credentials as the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most sustainable single ply.

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Several balconies measuring approximately 400 m² in total also received Rhepanol fk waterproofing. All of the gutters on the balconies were waterproofed in Rhepanol fk and these were then coated with Rhepanol Copper Paint to prevent the build-up of algae and moss that can accumulate when falls in the gutter are limited. Ken Bailey said: “Our main practical

challenge was to synchronise our work with following trades, carpenters and lead fitters. Rhepanol is a universal membrane that is well suited to the task. ”AC Mauger required us to liaise and direct follow-on operations. Our work programme needed to be flexible and the contract to date has extended over a 12 month period.”

“Out-of-the-box, fantastic architectural ideas”: PF+A

s one of the most successful architectural practices in Guernsey, PF+A has over 20 years of experience in supporting their clients during every stage of the design and build process – from inception to completion. The company’s substantial expertise ranges from traditional and contemporary design through to the technical skills needed to support the administration of the construction. With a 14-strong team of interior designers, 3D modellers, technologists, technicians and site construction administrations, PF+A can tackle any challenge. PF+A pride themselves on their personable, down-to-earth approach to client relationships and their unwavering ethos of integrity, pragmatism and diligence. Since PF+A was founded by Peter Falla in the early 1990s, the company has doubled in size. The year 2011 also saw a marked increase in demand for services, a trend that is expected to continue in 2012. PF+A have worked on a diverse range of projects and their recent designs showcase their talent in smaller-scale residential and commercial buildings on their home turf of Guernsey. Paul Nobes is Director of Infinity Group, who used

PF+A for their Baubigny Farm development. He said: “We particularly used PF+A because we trust them, and they provide out-of-the-box, fantastic architectural ideas.”

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The work of PF+A has been applauded in several publications, including a September 2011 edition of the high-end property magazine, ‘Living Life’. Focusing on the company’s work on the La Ruette development, the article stated: ‘Light and space are not words which immediately spring to mind when one thinks of a traditional Guernsey farmhouse, yet thanks to PF+A La Ruette has those qualities in abundance whilst still retaining its character and charm’. In November 2011, PF+A celebrated the start of their 3000th project. Peter Falla commented: “We’ve worked really hard to maintain our core beliefs of integrity and hard work – as well as having a practical approach to architecture. Our strategic business improvements have also been reaping real dividends in efficiencies for clients and the team here.” PF+A is a member of both the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists. For more information on PF+A, visit www.pfa.gg

Building homes for life at Les Petites Fontaines

PF+A are working alongside Infinity Group to transform the site of an open market development into four modern terraced homes.

Under the project, the existing home on the site has been demolished and the plot has been separated into three sections. Of these three sections, the first will comprise two Georgian-style houses, the second will comprise ten new houses and the last section will comprise four contemporary terraces that have been designed by PF+A. Tom Bourgaize, PF+A, commented: ”Offering stunning views of the neighbouring islands, the homes are a fairly contemporary twist of a Victorian terrace. So far we have received a lot of interest from purchasers.” The homes are built in a modern style and the tasteful material palette includes reinforced concrete, block work, glass, slate and cedar cladding. Each of the developments features a basement laundry, basement parking, a large kitchen/family room, first-floor lounge and four bedrooms – one of which is a master suite on the top floor. In addition, all of the homes feature a balcony and recess balconies on each floor. Landscaping has included the creation of a communal pathway area and seating area to the front of the properties and private gardens with a patio to the rear. John Nobes, Infinity Group, said: ”Although the underground works – namely the construction of the underground parking space – was

“We particularly used PF+A because we trust them, and they provide out-of-thebox, fantastic architectural ideas.”

rather tricky, the construction phase has been relatively straightforward so far. ”This is one of the most exciting projects that we have worked on, due in part to the stunning sea views. It is also exciting to build this type of property in an urban environment, where they perhaps have not been seen before. ”Les Petites Fontaines is a key development for us and will be one of the first developments that we can really put our stamp on. It is also brilliant to work with PF+A, who we have established a loyal and successful working relationship with over the years.” The project is expected to be completed in September 2012.

Old Bank Chambers is to be transformed

PF+A is currently hard at work transforming a former bank in St. Martins into a spacious office development. Under the project, Old Bank Chambers on La Grande Rue will be upgraded to meet modern standards before being converted into approximately 3,800 sq ft of office space. Located in the heart of St. Martins Village, Old Bank Chambers lies directly opposite the Community Centre and La Croix Guerin Cafe. The area boasts a varied selection of businesses including office buildings, banks, retail units, supermarkets and petrol stations. Occupiers in the vicinity include: Marks

& Spencer’s Simply Food, Lloyds TSB, Natwest Bank, Ogier’s, Checkers Express and Co-op Grande Marche. The project began in August 2011 and has seen the extension of the existing building from one to two storeys. In addition, the frontage has been remodelled and the old safe has been removed. Internally, the property has been built to a very high specification and includes air-conditioning, suspended ceilings, modern recessed lighting and Cat5e cabling. Further features include disabled toilets and modern staircases. Interesting architectural features included the frontage of the building, which will be framed in green oak and glazed with solar-controlled glass. In addition, impressive granite pillars will be installed, along with a helical staircase. Tom Bourgaize, PF+A, said: ”We are working in a densely developed area, so we only have so much space to play with. There were various planning issues in the past but with design tweaks made, full planning permission was later granted. ”In terms of the construction, we only have a small area to build the project – as a consequence, there is not a lot of space for equipment and the roads have had to be closed a couple of times to allow for craneage. ”Further challenges included the poor ground conditions. There was an

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Sustainable features include efficient boilers, underfloor heating and scope for photovoltaic cells on the roof.

old drainage pipe that had leaked into the ground and washed away some of the soil, so the building was subsiding slightly. As a result, we had to put in some new pile foundations towards the back of the building. ”However, the project is still progressing well and we have worked hard to ensure that the levels of noise and disruption are kept to a minimum.” Main contractor for the project is Ravenscroft Construction, whilst the M&E consultant is G4S Secure Solutions, Guernsey Limited and the structural consultant is The Don Babbé Practice. Old Bank Chambers is scheduled for completion in May 2012.

Starting from scratch at Opal Tide

An exciting project will see the demolition and rebuild of a stunning two-storey property on the boundary of a cliff face. Once completed in October 2012, the Opal Tide property will boast two beautiful en-suite bedrooms, along with a lounge, large open-plan kitchen, utility room, cloakroom and garage. A central feature will be the cantilevered walnut staircase, which will incorporate a wire suspended balustrade. Sustainable features include efficient boilers, underfloor heating and scope for photovoltaic cells on the roof. Main contractor for the project is Jon Matthews. Situated close to the coast, the development is in close proximity to the surrounding countryside and boasts fantastic views of the islands. A first floor balcony with a glass balustrade and a raised patio at the rear of the building will offer occupants an

unrivalled view of the coast. John Hibbs, PF+A, said: ”This was a derelict house that was not serving any purpose and the owners saw an opportunity to develop the home and make it into something beautiful that someone will want to live in. ”One of the main challenges we have had to work around is the site’s location on the boundary of an old quarry. Because one of the easterly boundaries has a cliff face, we had to involve a structural engineer to ensure that the quarry wasn’t going to crumble away and the house wouldn’t fall down.” Jon Matthews added: ”The original dig proved particularly challenging, as the ground was all stone. As a result, we had to put more concrete in the footings and incorporate a large amount of steelwork. However, once this issue was resolved the project continued to progress well. ”It has been a pleasure to work on the project at Opal Tide. We are extremely happy to be working with PF + A to deliver the project, which will create a great property in a fantastic location. As long as the customer is happy, we’re happy.”

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Guernsey Design Awards

uernsey is currently enjoying a renaissance in architecture. The island has always had a wealth of beautiful buildings from traditional fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cottages and ancient granite farmhouses to Victorian terraces and splendid Georgian mansions but it is now also seeing a surge in ground-breaking contemporary

designs and, in addition to sympathetic renovations and conversions, the construction industry is pushing the boundaries in terms of energy efficient and sustainable developments and public projects that combine accessibility and aesthetics. The Guernsey Design Awards seek to recognise the exemplary work that goes into these projects and enhances the islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s built environment.Â

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The Guernsey Design Awards are a great way to celebrate both the architectural and construction industries in Guernsey.

The awards are a joint project between The States of Guernsey Environment Department (Guernsey’s planning authority), The Guernsey Society of Architects, and Norman Piette - Guernsey’s leading builders’ merchant. Norman Piette are also the main sponsors of the event and have added an award of their own as Managing Director Clive Fenner explained: ”The Guernsey Design Awards are a great way to celebrate both the architectural and construction industries in Guernsey and recognising excellence in these fields fits perfectly with what Norman Piette stands for. ”We work closely with architects and offer seminars on the latest construction techniques that we hope will help them to find ever more imaginative ways to push materials to their limits. Equally though, we are at heart a supplier to the local building industry and we felt strongly that recognition was due to the contractors who realised the architects’ visions. ”So, in addition to the overall winner voted for by a panel of experts, this year sees the inauguration of the Norman Piette Contractors Award, which will reward excellence in construction.” Entries were invited from projects that could include: • New buildings • Extensions and alterations • Public realm projects • Designed landscapes • Works to protected buildings and monuments • Infrastructure works • Restoration projects • Lighting schemes • Public art projects • Conversion and refurbishment Judges were tasked to consider the overall quality of design, use of materials, relationship to setting, sustainability and how well the project met the needs of the client, including any improvements brought about to lifestyle. A total of nearly 50 local projects were nominated and the judging panel of professionals had a tough time whittling them down to just 11 shortlisted entries. The shortlist is very varied featuring everything from a sports pavilion to farmhouses or modern family homes to the Town church, but all of the entries are outstanding examples of their type. In addition to the overall winner and the Norman Piette Contractors Award, this year for the first time the awards feature a People’s Choice Award, where the community can decide on their winner and it will be very interesting to see how this develops, as Clive explained: ”Guernsey is quite polarised when it come to architecture, on the one hand we have architects and their clients who have embraced contemporary design and construction but on the other we have do have some die-hard traditionalists. ”With the range of projects on the shortlist it’s impossible to tell which way the community as a whole will vote. Certainly there’s been some serious canvassing from both sides!” The Norman Piette Contractors Award, the overall winner and commendations, as determined by the Design Awards judging panel and the People’s Choice award, as determined by the residents of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, will be revealed at an Awards Ceremony on the 11th May 2012.

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Award-worthy design at La Vinnaire

he innovative conversion of a tomato packing shed into a stunning family home has won PF+A a nod at the upcoming Guernsey Design Awards. Located in the beautiful Vale region, the two-storey development features a creative design that seamlessly combines the modern with the traditional. The family home has been designed to embody a historical architectural context whilst enabling open-plan living and a connection with external spaces. As planning policies would only allow the conversion of the existing building, PF+A were faced with the challenge of creating a modern family

home using a very basic structure. In order to make the development more appealing, the original large front opening has been glazed and the timber doors have been replaced with large sliding shutters. In order to give the development a rustic barn style, traditional timber windows and doors have been added to the existing structure. Other materials used include: smooth render, steel and aluminium glazing. A modern extension has also been added, which is almost entirely glass and is separated only by slate clad walls. The glass external walls slide across to open up the living space to the south-facing garden, making the property perfect for entertaining guests.

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Sustainable features include high levels of insulation and solar panels. Challenges during the construction phase included the demolition of the dilapidated greenhouses and a tight access track, which made manoeuvring large vehicles on to the site difficult. On the ground floor there is large living room, study, sitting room and cloakroom, whilst further facilities include a changing room, utility room and a surfboard store. The first floor comprises four bedrooms and a TV/Playstation room for children that can be closed off by a large sliding wall. Interestingly, a laundry chute runs from the first floor to the changing room. The changing room is a full wet room that is connected to the surfboard store and is perfect for changing after surfing, football and other sports. In addition, there is also a shower that connects the cloakroom to the changing room to enable the cloakroom to double as a shower room for guests. Alex Whitmore, Director of PF+A, commented: â&#x20AC;?This was a great project to be involved with as there are a lot of interesting design features. It was also a very successful project that was delivered on time by main contractors KTM Ltd, who were brilliant throughout.â&#x20AC;?

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Making the list: CCD Architects get nominated

s one of the most established architectural practices in Guernsey, CCD Architects is involved with a number of high-profile projects throughout the commercial, medical and educational sectors. However it is CCD Architects’ bespoke domestic design work that has really helped the company to make a name for itself and this hard work has certainly not gone unnoticed in the industry. CCD Architects is amongst a few select architects to have been nominated for an award in the Guernsey Design Awards 2012 and their projects – Town Church, The Mill, Les Prevosts Farm and Les

Granges de Beauvoir Manor – have all made the list. CCD Architects Managing Director, Andrew Dyke, said: ”Being shortlisted at the Guernsey Design Awards is very important to us and as a company it gives us a very big boost. We do a lot of work with historic buildings and high-end houses and so achieving recognition by being shortlisted is very encouraging for us and our staff.”

Town Church

Over the past 10 years a rolling programme of repair and conservation works has taken place at Town Church in St Peter Port.

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This has included substantial refurbishment works to the interior of the church in order to introduce a new controllable lighting system. Lights were repositioned within the church, whilst the tower and spire were also illuminated to make them visible at night. Additional work on the Town Church project included conserving, restoring and relaying the original flooring – to hide the abundance of electrical cables – and cleaning all the internal monuments. In addition, plasterwork has been repaired, tombs have been conserved and the sound system has been rewired. Main contractor for the project was MEC (Guernsey) Limited, whilst Mike Grubb from Sutton Vane Associates was the lighting design consultant. Andrew Dyke said: ”Prior to the work taking place, Town Church was very badly lit. Not only did this provide poor lighting to the building but it actually obscured the stained glassed windows and monuments. ”Together with the lighting consultants we designed a completely new lighting system that removed the existing light fittings from the building to allow the interior to be shown off in all its glory. ”Nobody expected the level of detail to be so clear on all the stone work - which previously hadn’t been visible - so it’s quite astonishing. The work has completely transformed the interior. ”There’s been a wonderful reaction from everyone who uses the church - it’s like having a new building.”

was to extend Catherine’s showroom – housed on the ground floor – and to introduce additional floor space to the accommodation areas above. In order to achieve the project brief a frameless glass extension was constructed on the ground floor, whilst the first floor made use of an unused wall to create an unusual open-plan extension. A retractable glass roof was also installed on the first floor, which has added a very unique feature to the structure. Andrew Dyke said: ”In its former existence the Mill was a fully operational windmill with a number of buildings connected to the main structure of the Mill. These buildings had been left as ruins and had created a high granite wall that circled the bottom two storeys of the Mill. This wall didn’t really serve any purpose and was covered by unsatisfactory roofing. ”We removed the existing roof and installed a brand new retractable glazed roof between the outer walls and the Mill, which allowed us to let in light all the way around the perimeter of the building. ”The retractable roof created a wonderful open space in the building and it’s quite an astonishing thing to see in operation.”

Les Prevosts Farm

Originally built in the 17th century, Les Prevosts Farm was a shadow of its former self prior to a substantial

The Mill

The Mill was originally designed as a fully operational windmill but is now a privately-owned home and work space for renowned jewellery designer Catherine Best. The brief for this project

refurbishment operation that has transformed the semi-derelict farm into a large family home. During the refurbishment work care was taken to preserve a number of the farm’s original features, including all the timber work and fireplaces. In addition, roofs were re-thatched to return them to their original state.

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The barn was also opened up to create a kitchen with an upper gallery, whilst new outbuildings were constructed using reclaimed materials. H.D. Brehaut & Sons Limited was the main contractor, whilst the structural engineer was Adrian Ashman of Dorey, Lyle & Ashman Ltd. Andrew Dyke said: ”Les Prevosts Farm was a rundown building that was in a poor condition when it was bought by our clients and required a substantial amount of refurbishment work. ”As part of the project we opened up the barn to make a large open-plan kitchen and then we built an extension on the back of this. ”We were also able to create some large openings in the kitchen walls which in turn opened out into an existing glazed, timber-framed extension. This has in turn provided the building with a great view of the fields and the surrounding area.

Les Granges de Beauvoir Manor

A major programme of conservation work was conducted at Les Granges de Beauvoir Manor in order to restore the 17th century building. Works included the removal of the roofs and fire-damaged joists, the repair of gables and chimneys and the preservation of A-frames. Floor structures were removed, strengthened and then returned to their original positions and new oak interior doors were fitted.

A grapehouse was also added to the site, whilst a previously unusable outbuilding was completely transformed. H.D. Brehaut & Sons Limited and RG Falla were the main contractors on the project, whilst McCathie Associates was the structural engineer and Welch Landscape Design was the landscape architect. Andrew Dyke said: ”Les Granges de Beauvoir Manor is one of the most interesting buildings in St Peter Port and was originally built to a very high standard. ”When we took over the building all of the original oak panelling, beams, joists and the most wonderful tourelle staircase still existed in the building so we had to ensure that these were preserved where possible. We then spent a year conducting conservation work before we began onsite. ”Once this was complete, we were then able to install the kitchen, bathrooms, electrics and plumbing in order to make it a very desirable house once more.”

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Serving up a success: Earlswood Cafe

ince Tyrrell Dowinton Associates was founded by Brian Tyrrell and Paul Dowinton in July 2003, the practice has continued to deliver interesting and varied projects both within Guernsey and the mainland. Over the last 9 years, the practice has been involved in several developments that have helped to shape the landscape of the Island. One of the company’s more recent projects – Earlswood Cafe – is a purpose-built eatery located within Earlswood Garden Centre in Ville Baudu and is one of 12 projects to be shortlisted at the Guernsey Design Awards 2012. Tyrrell Dowinton Associates designed Earlswood Cafe to be an important centre point for the family friendly garden centre. The £560,000 facility cafe was completed in August 2011 and replaces an underutilised storage area at the centre. In addition to providing hungry shoppers with both hot and cold meals, the 60-cover cafe boasts many home comforts that help to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. These include a wood burning fireplace, comfortable sofas and soft furnishings. A particular highlight of the cafe is the stunning glazed walls, which create ‘shop windows’ allowing customers to see out

into the external areas of the garden centre. To add to this, a set of sliding doors open out onto an external seating area. Many natural and sustainable materials have been incorporated in the design of the building, including timber and granite flooring. The exterior of the cafe also features a natural timber cladding that is designed to blend in with the plants and shrubs. JW Rihoy and Son Ltd was the main contractor for the project, whilst the mechanical and electrical consultant was Amalgamated Facilities Management. Tyrrell Dowinton Associates Director, Brian Tyrrell, said: “When we designed Earlswood Cafe we wanted to

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create a family facility that was not just a central hub, but also a space within the garden centre where customers could feel both relaxed and comfortable. ”Prior to the construction of the cafe, this area of the garden centre looked tired and in need of attention. However, within just six months we had transformed what was an underutilised area of the garden centre into a true hive of activity. ”Seeing a project completed is one of the most satisfying aspects of my job and seeing how this building now functions with the general public is absolutely amazing. The feedback has been brilliant and the cafe has really transformed the atmosphere of the garden centre.” He added: ”We started off as a small company 9 years ago and as the practice has grown over time, we have been commissioned with larger, more complex projects creating a strong and varied portfolio. ”When we are commissioned to design a building, we particularly enjoy working from inception right through to completion. Earlswood Cafe is a great example of this and it’s also a great project for Guernsey, as new build projects like this don’t tend to come up all too often. ”To be recognised with a nomination at the Guernsey Design Awards is a fantastic and rewarding achievement for the practice, especially after all the hard work we have put in. ”Of the projects that have been shortlisted for an award there are some really innovative designs, however ours is only one of two public buildings and I think we’ve got as good a chance as any. It is a nice surprise to be in the final 12, and we are absolutely delighted.”

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Recognising hard work: BAS Mooarc makes the list

s an award-wining design practice, BAS Mooarc is committed to making the Channel Islands an interesting and diverse place to live. The practice’s extensive portfolio clearly demonstrates a commitment to architectural excellence through innovative and imaginative design, and it seems that all of this hard work has paid off. Three of BAS Mooarc’s projects – Le Portelet, Etoile du Nord and Les Bardeaux – have been shortlisted at the Guernsey Design Awards 2012. BAS Mooarc Design Director, Jamie Falla, said: ”This marks a new era for contemporary architecture in Guernsey. We’ve worked very hard over the last ten years, so it’s a privilege to be shortlisted for three of our recent projects. ”There is a huge amount of respect for what we are doing and for us this is the culmination of where we are going in the future. It is also a reflection of the good quality clients and builders that we work with and that’s something that is very important to us.” BAS Mooarc Project Architect, Caroline Shortt, added: ”It is a real honour to be recognised for the quality of our designs. We fight hard for our buildings and we are always trying to push the boundaries of design and sustainability. ”We’re very happy that the residents of Guernsey appreciate what we’re doing.”

Le Portelet

Nestled into a hillside overlooking Portelet Harbour, Le Portelet is a comfortable and modern family home that replaces a bungalow that previously existed on the site. Le Portelet sits comfortably into the landscape and makes use of the surrounding wooded area, in the process reducing the building’s visual impact on the landscape. One of the most striking features is the glazing, which really allows the building to take advantage of the wonderful views. Additional features include under floor heating, solar thermal panels on the roof and a ventilation system that reduces the loss of heat from the building. Le Portelet was built to comply with 2016 Building Regulations and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5, therefore construction materials were carefully selected in order to reduce the carbon footprint. All

of the materials were sourced from a sustainable forest and include prefabricated laminated timber panels and Sweet-Chestnut external cladding. The ground works contractors for Le Portelet were Geomarine Ltd and Ravenscroft Construction Ltd. The structural engineer was Dorey Lyle & Ashman, whilst the mechanical and electrical engineer was 4-Star. Nicky Burridge of NB Lighting Design was the lighting designer, whilst Sensible Home Technologies provided control systems for lighting and heating. External landscaping work was conducted by Guernsey Gardens and Ravenscroft Construction Ltd. Caroline Shortt said: ”Le Portelet was very much a talking point for islanders during construction, so we made sure that the building blended in with the existing landscape. This worked well and since completing the project

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the local residents have really embraced Le Portelet.” Jamie Falla added: ”We care about Guernsey and we continue to make sure that we are putting buildings into the community that we can all be proud of. The materials we used softened the building and this helped us to please the client and the general public when it came to making it part of the landscape.”

Etoile du Nord

The brief for Etoile du Nord was to remodel an existing bungalow that overlooks Vazon Bay in order to take advantage of the stunning views. Etoile du Nord was built to comply with the latest building regulations and all of the new elements of the building were designed to reduce energy consumption. Upgrades were made to the existing structure and then an additional glass rooftop pavilion was built above with double-height glass sculpted around the former structure. Locally sourced reconstituted stone was used to anchor the building and help it blend into the hillside. Additional features include roof lighting, control systems for heating, ventilation and an external terrace. Main contractor for the Etoile du Nord project was Joe Moriarty & Sons Ltd, whilst the mechanical and electrical consultant was Guernsey Electricity. Nicky

Burridge of NB Lighting Design was the lighting designer and Guernsey Gardens conducted the landscaping work. Caroline Shortt said: “The concept of Etoile du Nord was to create a

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The scheme is subject to a development brief, which has adopted a 20% increase in thermal efficiency to the Jersey bye-laws.

building that could really take advantage of the truly spectacular view that overlooks Vazon Bay. ”In the original bungalow the best view that the building could offer came from the utility room so the brief was to make better use of the structure. ”In order to do this we incorporated a lot of glass. The glazing was specifically designed so that no matter where you are in the building, you’re always drawn back to the view. That’s what makes this project so special.”

Les Bardeaux

Les Bardeaux is a four-bedroom openplan family home that is set within a small woodland area on the south coast of Guernsey. The design of the building draws upon the local architecture and out of all three of BAS Mooarc’s shortlisted projects it is the most traditional in terms of design and construction. Les Bardeaux was built to comply with 2016 Building Regulations and Code for Sustainable Homes Level 5 and features high levels of insulation, timber cladding

and blockwork walls. Additional features include polished concrete floors, an air source heat pump and a pitched roof. As none of the internal partitions on Les Bardeaux are load-bearing, the design of the building also allows for future alterations if necessary. Main contractor for the Les Bardeaux project was Mark Le Prevost and the structural engineer was Dorey Lyle & Ashman. Nicky Burridge of NB Lighting Design was once again the lighting designer on the project. Jamie Falla said: ”Out of all three projects that have been shortlisted for the Guernsey Design Awards, Les Bardeaux is a much softer and more traditional approach to Guernsey architecture and people have really seemed to warm to it. ”We’ve created open-plan spaces inside the building so that the building can continue to adapt to changes in people’s lifestyles and this is a perfect example of a building design that will last a lifetime.”

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Successful structures: Rewarding Lovell Ozanne

or over fifty years Lovell Ozanne has provided the Channel Islands and the UK with a full range of high-quality architectural and surveying services. The company works on projects within the commercial, industrial, residential and retail sectors for Guernsey Gas Company Ltd and the island of Guernsey. Lovell Ozanne is currently amongst the list of architects nominated for a prestigious accolade at the 2012 Guernsey Design Awards. Two of Lovell Ozanne’s projects – Sir John Leale Avenue and the Robin Roussel Sports Pavilion – have made the shortlist and it is an achievement that continues to excite those working within the industry.

Sir John Leale Avenue

Completed in 2010, the Sir John Leale Avenue project involved the redevelopment of an existing housing estate through the construction of 57 social housing

units. The site comprises 48 single-storey rental units for the over 55’s and nine 2-bedroom family houses. Lovell Ozanne was appointed by the Guernsey Housing Association with JW Rihoy & Son Ltd being appointed as the Design & Build Contractor. Lovell Ozanne Director, Andrew Merrett, said: ”Sir John Leale Avenue was a brown field site which previously contained a number of high-rise housing blocks. In conjunction with the client, the BRE and other members of the professional team we designed a series of units for the over 55’s. ”The units were designed to be eco friendly, providing extremely high levels of insulation and using triple glazed windows, solar panels and mechanical heat recovery systems. The scheme achieved its goals of providing very low energy costs, with units now averaging £350 - £450 per year.” JW Rihoy & Sons Ltd Operations Director, Stewart Giles, said:

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”The Guernsey Design Awards are vital for the island of Guernsey and it is very import that the industry recognises the skills that Guernsey has to offer. ”We worked very closely with Lovell Ozanne and Guernsey Housing Association to forge a really good team on the Sir John Leale Avenue project and the results speak for themselves. ”It is very rare that projects like this become public knowledge so it’s great that the industry is helping us to showcase what we can all do.”

In order to speed up construction on the project, kitchens and bathrooms were built off-site by Hemway Podit and then delivered and installed prior to the installation of flooring. JW Rihoy & Son Ltd Operations Director, Stewart Giles, said: ”The biggest challenge that we faced whilst working on Sir John Leale Avenue was the ground conditions. The ground was covered in a very thick layer of peat, so we had to use ground stabilisation prior to putting in the footings. Once this was

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completed, everything else ran smoothly. “We then installed SIPs panels so that each unit was highly insulated and airtight to a value of 2. This made Sir John Leale Avenue the first project on the island to stipulate air tightness within its design.” Stewart Giles added: ”JW Rihoy & Sons Ltd is one of the largest construction companies on the island. We’ve built up a strong client base and we work closely with each client to achieve a good end result.” Lovell Ozanne Director, Andrew Merrett, said: ”Many challenges were overcome throughout the project by ensuring that all of the design team provided sufficient input into what was a very successful design. ”The icing on the cake for the whole team is being nominated in the Guernsey Design Awards.”

The Robin Roussel Sports Pavilion

Lovell Ozanne was appointed by Elizabeth College to design the Robin Roussel Sports Pavilion project on the facility’s Memorial Field. The project was completed in March 2010 and was named in honour of

the late Robin Roussel, a sportsman and former pupil at the college. The Robin Roussel Sports Pavilion was funded by donations to the Elizabeth College Foundation Appeal, Old Elizabethans and friends of Elizabeth College. The pavilion comprises four separate changing rooms and an internal and external viewing area that overlooks the college’s sporting grounds. Lovell Ozanne designed the pavilion to provide flexible changing room and shower facilities and to also meet the requirements of the college and its users. The contemporary design of the pavilion features a dramatic concave roof which not only creates a striking visual feature to the building but also provides solar shading which helps to control heat gain from the extensive glazed areas. F Watson & Son Limited was the main contractor for the Robin Roussel Sports Pavilion and they were supported by a team of local sub contractors.

The Guernsey Design Awards are a great way to celebrate both the architectural and construction industries in Guernsey.

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Jardin de Haut development is nearing completion

n exciting project to provide thirtythree much needed homes is nearing completion in Jersey. The Jardin de Haut development is within walking distance of the local school, pub, and church and comprises: 14 two-bedroom single storey dwellings that have been built for the over fifty-fives and

administered by a housing trust, 10 three-bedroom houses with garages for first time buyers, 5 fourbedroom family homes for sale to first time buyers, and 4 two-bedroom units for sale to the over fiftyfives on the open market. In order for the project to commence, the glasshouses on fields 561 and 562 in Rue de la Vallee were demolished. The countryside zone is

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designated as a Category A housing site and falls within the water pollution safeguard area. The ÂŁ11 million scheme is intended to cultivate a village ambience and ensure that a community spirit is nurtured. It is also hoped that young families with children will revitalise the Parish school and ensure its growth and improvement. Alpine Contractors Limited is developing the project, which has been designed by Lovell Ozanne & Partners Ltd. Works began in January 2011 and the development will be completed in early 2012. The site has been under the foremanship of Jeff Russ, who has ably marshalled his merry band of tradesmen for the last twelve months in cohorts with NSJ Contract Management Limited, a local firm of Chartered Surveyors and Chartered Building Consultants who have acted as Project and Contract Managers for the development. NSJ Contract Management has provided a management service to ensure that the building fabric is constructed in accordance with agreed drawings. The company advises upon matters on Contract documentation, financial payments and

programme whilst acting on behalf of the client to achieve a successful completion by way of: advising upon initial costing, attending regular meetings on site and issue of minutes for client information. In addition, they complete regular inspections of the works, checking and submitting recommendation for payment of interim and final accounts. The homes have incorporated a traditional design in order to remain sympathetic to the existing surroundings. They feature pitched roofs over rendered elevations, along with detailing around the windows to create a pleasing courtyard development. All properties have fitted kitchens and carry a ten year insurance backed structural guarantee. The scheme is subject to a development brief, which has adopted a 20% increase in thermal efficiency to the Jersey bye-laws. This has been achieved by ensuring a good quality specification in terms of the cavity construction and insulation standards. Each of the houses for the over fifty-fives has a disabled-friendly bathroom featuring a walk in

Channel islands

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The homes have incorporated a traditional design in order to remain sympathetic to the existing surroundings.

shower. There is also a living/dining room and a master bedroom. In the roof space of four of the units, there is a generous second bedroom and the majority of the homes also contain an additional shower room. The properties range in price from £425,000 to £475,000, with over half of the houses already sold and all of the 14 two-bedroom single storey dwellings sold to the Les Vaux Housing Trust. The project also comprises extensive planting and landscaping. This includes two Petanque courts, which will provide an attractive country development in a picturesque part of the Island. The hard landscaping will include a mixture of different sizes, colours and textures to the concrete block paving, with the colours ranging from yellow to grey. Soft landscaping will include the large-scale planting of trees, which is hoped to create an interesting aesthetic mix. Andy Merrett, Lovell Ozanne, said: “It is an interesting development in the juxtaposition of the buildings and the external landscaping. What we’ve tried hard to do is incorporate a village feel within the development. ”Works have progressed extremely well and Alpine Contractors are even working ahead of schedule. There have been no difficulties other than the normal planning requirements and obligations to the local parish, and everyone is very pleased with

the progress that is being made.” Stuart Pirouet of NSJ Contract Management Limited, added: “All of the relevant teams have worked very well together and the dry weather has been an added benefit.” The completion of the Jardin de Haut housing development has been much anticipated, providing much needed family homes to first time buyers in a country setting where young families can bring up their children with a pleasant, safe environment. Many of the prospective buyers have stated that this type of home is exactly what the first time buyers want, rather than being forced to live in a flat in town with no amenities and little prospect of moving on. Young couples want a good sized home with a garden, which, in most cases, will be their home for life.

Lovell Ozanne

Lovell Ozannne provides a full range of architectural and surveying services from inception through to completion. Established since 1958, they have a wealth of experience and knowledge of all construction sectors and continue to work both in the Channel Islands and the UK. Lovell Ozanne are client and design focused, taking time to formulate the brief and provide architectural solutions appropriate to client requirements and site opportunities.

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Building a reliable reputation in Jersey

s a construction company that specialises in both the private and commercial sectors, ROK Construction has developed a strong reputation for reliability within the industry. The Jersey based company believe in building long-lasting working relationships with both their clients and suppliers and it is this innovative approach that has helped ROK Construction become a leading name on the island. Founded in 2007, ROK Construction is guided by company directors Graham Seaford and Robert Matthews. The company specialises in the construction of commercial, industrial and residential new build projects, along with office refurbishments and shop fit-outs. ROK Construction is currently involved in a number of development schemes that are helping to shape Jersey’s landscape, including a £420,000 project for the Jersey Oyster Company. Additional works include the £400,000 Clairmont project and a refurbishment project for the Jersey Gas Company.

The company is also well underway on an 18-week project that will transform the Endoscopy Ward at Jersey General Hospital. The £150,000 project began in January 2012 and involves the reconfiguration of the existing ward, along with a number of alterations to electrical services. Jersey General Hospital will remain fully operational during the project so ROK Construction is making every effort to ensure that disruptions are kept to a minimum. Using their substantial experience, ROK Construction aims to ensure that each project is delivered with quality, safety and value for money in mind. The company is also aware of the need to protect the environment and therefore identifies and minimises any potential risks to the environment at the start of each project, in addition to using sustainable materials wherever possible. ROK Construction Commercial Manager, Chris Matthews, said: ”Every time a tender comes in, Graham, Robert and I will sit down and assess what the project will involve. We never take on a project if we don’t

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believe that we can deliver it on time and to a high standard. ”When working on a new project, we are aware that our clients have a budget that they need to adhere to and they cannot incur additional costs. We believe it is our job to help them achieve their goal without going over their budget and this could range from advising on value engineering ideas to liaising with the design team to offer our input into the most practical and efficient ways for a project to be constructed. ”We continually liaise with clients during construction in order to ensure that our development matches their vision and the work is finished to the highest standard.” He added: ”At ROK Construction we are very competitively priced and we are well-known for our high quality service. We have a letter of recommendation from Jersey Gas for our work and we have established ourselves as one of the best contractors in Jersey. ”A lot of our projects come through word of mouth - especially the work we conduct on private houses. Indeed, sometimes we are the only tender on the selected tendering list. This is a massive boost for us and demonstrates just how good our reputation is.”

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