premier construction 16-7 channel islands issue

Issue #16/7

FREE COPY

September 2011

this issueq barneS & CollIe 12q bDK arChIteCtS 17q naISh WaDDIngton 19qpeter Falla 26

the premier information tool for the construction industry www.premierconstructionmagazine.com

Construction magazine

Channel Islands Construction Focus

featured3 Intro4 Geomarine8 Lavender Villa12 Barnes & Collie Architects17 BDK Architects33 Jersey Airport Radar36 Jersey Airport Baggage Facility

64

contents

3WWW.premierconstructionmagazine.Co.uK

Publisher ROMA Publications

Managing Director Marcus Howarth

eDitorial Editor: Lesley Coward Phone: 01706 719 972 Fax: 0845 458 4446 Email: [email protected]

contributors Rebecca ChamberlinCharlotte BrazierPhoebe Kemp

aDVertising Sales and Marketing:Nicola Owen Phone: 01706 719 972 Email: [email protected] subscriPtions Phone: 01706 719 972 Fax: 0845 458 4446 Email: [email protected]

Design Graphic Designer:Marcus Macaulay Print Advent www.advent-colour.co.uk

general enQuiries ROMA Publications Ltd Floor 2, 1 Livsey Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester. OL16 1SS Phone: 01706 719972 Fax: 0845 458 4446 Emai: [email protected] Website: www.romauk.net

coPYright© Roma Publications Ltd. All contents are copyright. All rights are reserved. No part may be stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form without prior written permission from the publishers. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies however caused. Contributed material does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publisher. the editorial policy and general layout of this publication are at the discretion of the publisher and no debate will be entered into. No responsibility can be accepted for illustrations, artwork or photographs whilst in transmission with the publishers or their agents unless a commitment is made in writing prior to the receipt of such terms.

Dear readers,Welcome to this month’s special Channel Islands supplement where excellence in architecture is high on the agenda as we showcase a selection of inspirational award-winning projects in the Jersey Design Awards .

Take, for example the inspired design of a highly innovative project, creating both a unique four storey residence and a garden inside a listed Methodist chapel building, in Grouville, which won the Best Small Scale Refurbishment or Remodelling category in the Jersey Design Awards for BDK Architects.

Scooping no less than three prizes are architects Naish Waddington, who won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize in the Best Large Scale Development category in the awards for their work on the Ogier House office block (1st Prize); La Colomberie office block (2nd Prize) and Chateau Valeuse Apartments (3rd Prize).

Still on the subject of architectural achievement, we take a snapshot look at the “Out-of-the-box, fantastic architectural ideas” of international architects Peter Falla and Associates - some of the most recent of which showcase their talent in the design of residential and commercial buildings on their home turf in Guernsey.

We also take a look at the success of a particularly select development of just five desirable luxury family residences in St Peters Village, Jersey, which are selling well, ahead of completion.

Next up is a look-in on the conversion of a former Jersey hotel into a beautiful residential home for the elderly, now known as Lavender Villa.

Marine matters are one of our focuses as we consider the challenges of an innovative piling project to carry out stabilisation works to preserve the north and south piers of St Aubin Harbour and the breakwater at St Aubin Fort.

Moving from sea to air, we cover two projects at Jersey airport where facilities are undergoing a considerable upgrade including a £4 million airport radar replacement scheme and a recently completed development to install a new Hold Baggage System, replacing an older system with a state-of-the art facility.

As always, you can rely on Premier Construction to present the big picture on all the latest happenings on the Channel Islands construction scene - so look our for our next special supplement to keep you in the know!

awards are high on the agenda

from the editor

Follow premier Construction on:twitter: twitter.com/pCbyromaWeblog: http://premierconstruction.wordpress.com

4 channel ISlanDS

A challenging project to carry out stabilisation works to preserve the north and south piers of St Aubin Harbour and the breakwater at St Aubin Fort has just been successfully completed using an innovative

method of mini-piling.The project was carried out for Jersey Harbours by

Geomarine Ltd.Ongoing damage over more than two centuries

had gradually destabilised the piers and the breakwater to the extent that without stabilisation they would have been in danger of collapse, as happened in 1973 on a section of the breakwater.

Since 2001 consulting engineers Arup Rothwell have been monitoring the breakwater and the two pier arms in St Aubin Harbour. Having analysed wave patterns and forces in the area - and carried out tests – engineers have come up with a solution known as the Cintec System which is commonly used to stabilise ancient structures.

Elements of St Aubin harbour are 200-300 years old and traditional solutions were negated by the historical importance of the structures involved, general marine conditions, local sensitivities and the presence of a rare mollusc.

A discrete, flexible and low vibration solution was required. Geomarine installed Over 200 ‘Cintec’ anchors drilling over 2km. These are a drilled mini-pile, less than four inches in diameter, which have been used on historical monuments throughout the world, but never before for this application in the Channel Islands.

Speaking of the piling which proved highly successful, Mr Iain Barclay of Geomarine said: ”First of all we drilled a 96mm hole of up to 17 m deep through the sea wall and underlining sands and gravels, which was cased to keep the hole free from sand and silt. We then installed a stainless steel 56 mm diameter anchor made up of six 8 mm stainless steel rods arranged in a hexagon around a plastic tube and held together with spacers. The anchor

innovative piling protects bay’s historic structures


The project was carried out for Jersey Harbours by Geomarine Ltd

6 channel ISlanDS

is then inserted into the cintec sock and the ends sealed, the anchor is then lowered into the drilled hole and the casing extracted.

”We then pumped grouting down the plastic tube in the centre of the anchor, the sock expands to fill the 96mm hole size or up to 130mm to fill voids or joints in the wall, moulding itself to the shape of the hole. Horizontal anchors were also drilled securing the front and back walls together. Following installation of the anchors a pre cut plug is reinstated back into its original hole from which we cored out to start with, to form a hidden fix.”

He added that the rod structure was chosen in preference to a solid steel bar because the multi rod arrangement is more flexible, allowing the pier to move with the tide and wave conditions.

The work required scaffolding to be erected and a drill rig put in place so that holes could be drilled in the masonry to insert the piles which ‘stitched’ the structures together and anchored them into the bedrock of the seabed.

Rotary drilling only was used to avoid vibration which could have damaged the historic structures.

Due to the severity and worsening condition work commenced on the breakwater to stabilise the structure before the winter before moving to the harbour’s north pier, sections of which was closed to the public for the duration of the works. As this work was being completed the rig moved to the south pier between the boat

hoist and German bunker. Jersey Harbour’s Technical Services Manager, Ray

Hine, said: "The stabilisation works have ensured that St Aubin Harbour and the Fort remain safe for future generations to enjoy.”

St Aubin was the main port of the Island’s commercial trade from the 17th to the early 19th century. The piers, which are proposed Sites of Special Interest, date from the 1760s with additions completed up to 1819, while work first commenced on the breakwater at St Aubin’s Fort in the 1680s. They are built of massive, dry-jointed granite masonry with parapet walls on the seaward sides.

The architectural heritage consultant for the scheme, Antony Gibb, said St Aubin Harbour and Fort rank among the Island’s greatest architectural and engineering achievements.

La Retraite is a select development of five luxurious family homes taking shape in the quaint village of St Peters - Jersey. The development is ideally located close to restaurants, pubs, schools, nurseries, supermarkets and health centers. It's

only a short drive to the idyllic St Ouens Bay, which is famous for its beautiful beaches, surfing, sand dunes, extreme water sports and eighteen-hole golf course.

The scheme is being carried out in the former gardens of the adjacent dental surgery by Developers JAM Construction and is being built by its sister company J & M Construction by director Johnny Forbes, site foreman Chris Cordrey and contract administrator Nigel Sweeny.

The homes, four of which are granite faced, comprise two detached properties and a further row

of three adjoining houses arranged in the style of a traditional Jersey close. The properties include four three bedroom homes and one four bedroom home, with the four bedroom home incorporating three bathrooms (two ensuite) and dressing rooms. All of the properties feature spacious interiors and are designed for open plan living, each incorporating a utility room.

The impressive specification of these distinctive residences includes Villeroy & Bosch bathroom furniture, fittings and tiles. Rationale kitchens complete with Bosch appliances. Oak flooring has been laid throughout the ground floor of every property.

Each home has a large south-facing garden which has been landscaped and looks truly remarkable. House number two boasts a Jersey cider press external feature in Indian sandstone.

Desirable luxury residences in st peters Village, Jersey


The properties include four three bedroom homes and one four bedroom home, with

the four bedroom home incorporating three

bathrooms (two ensuite) and dressing rooms.

The project is approaching completion in June. Two of the homes are already sold and significant buyer interest is being shown in the remaining properties.

The 15 month development commenced in February 2010.

The popular Channel Island of Jersey is closer to French territory than the English mainland and is one of the most sought after places to live in the region. It is the largest of the small Channel Islands group, yet is only a few miles across, and comes with striking beaches, quaint towns and enviable weather.

St Helier is the capital and lies in the south of the island where most of the best beaches and properties are. It presides over the beautiful St Aubin Bay, while the northern shore is more rugged and picturesque.

The village of St Peters has been much built up in recent years and now boasts a varied range of shops and supermarkets and even a real ale brewery. It is the only parish with two coastlines in its boundaries. St. Peter's Valley runs from Bel Royal to St. Mary and is a steep sided picturesque valley with meadows and streams and a National Trust property called De Quetivel Mill. The mill is the sole working example of its type and is open to the public along one of the walks through the valley. St Peters is one of the twelve parishes of Jersey and is located in the west central part of the island.

8 channel ISlanDS

As the ageing population increases, a once popular hotel has been converted into a beautiful residential home.

Nearly two years after finally closing its doors as a hotel, Lavender Villa has regained its former glory and has

reopened as a state-of-the-art residential home. The Home, which boasts 20 en-suite rooms, is the

first to open following the latest States report on health care. Jersey is leading the way with revised legislation that is ensuring the highest calibre of care within local care facilities. In the States Health and Social Services Review 2011, Deputy Anne Pryke, Minister for Health and Social Services confirmed that: ”The number of people over 65 will double by 2040.” She highlighted that ”these changes will affect everyone. If you’re over 35 today, you will be over 65 in 2040 and will need to be able to access the services that older people take for granted

today. Those of you who are currently under 35 will be responsible for paying the taxes to provide these services, so it is crucial that you have your say on how and where funds are spent.” The report concluded that ‘nursing and residential care homes will soon have no space left for the growing number of older people – this could happen in the next two years.’

The owners of Lavender Villa, Alaistair Jerrom-Smith and Nick Bettany, have taken heed of the recommendations and have commissioned a residential home that meets all the latest criteria. They have employed the highest calibre of staff- including Residential Care Manager Judith Milburn, a qualified nurse with 30 years experience in hospitals and care homes.

The philosophy of the new business is to create a ‘home away from home’ where residents’ individual requirements are met and independence is

lavender Villa transformed to respond to Jersey’s ageing population

10 channel ISlanDS

encouraged. Residents will be able to take advantage of the enviable location, which backs onto the Royal Jersey Golf Course with uninterrupted views of the coast and easy access to walks and Gorey Village. The property addresses the shortage of residential homes in the east of island with current offerings generally focused in the west.

Residents have already secured places to move in following the official opening on 23rd August. They will be the first to benefit from the new residential home with landscaped gardens, private transport, and a dining concept devised by local Michelin-starred chef Shaun Rankin, who has acted as a consultant for the project.

This is the latest stage in a long and interesting history for the building. The land was originally sold by George Gaudin to Francois Journeaux in 1837. The original house was then built in 1853 (Registre Publique). Later on, it operated as a

guesthouse and then a hotel for 30 years inclusive. It finally shut in September 2009, becoming one of many small hotels in Jersey to close due to the demise of the tourism industry.

Nick Bettany is the Joint Owner and has a background in real estate. He says:


”We are immensely proud to open such a unique residential home concept, ensuring the primacy of residents care within a caring and small boutique environment and building on the legislation that has been recently introduced in the island to assist in putting Jersey at the forefront of elderly care. We have taken great care in converting the original building to be able to reopen it as a business that will serve the local community.”

Shaun Rankin, Food & Beverage Consultant, says:”It’s very interesting for me to be involved in such

a project. There are many requirements to be met when catering for the elderly and we were also determined to be as flexible as possible to allow residents independence in their dining choices. Lavender Villa Residential are a company with very high aspirations in seeking to offer the highest possible standard of care and service for the elderly, an increasingly important demographic in Jersey. I believe it will be a very special residential home and residents will be proud to be part of the Lavender Villa community.”

Lavender Villa will hold an open weekend on Saturday 27th (2pm-5pm) and Sunday 28th August (11am–3pm). All visitors are welcome and will be offered refreshments. For more information please call: (01534) 888107.

12 channel ISlanDS

The inspired design of a highly innovative and imaginative project, creating both a unique four storey residence and a garden inside a listed Methodist chapel building, has won a

top accolade in the Jersey Design Awards, presented every second year.

The awards, which recognise and celebrate the work of local architects, named Barnes Collie Architects as winners in the Best Small Scale Refurbishment or Remodelling category for their design of a project at the former Gorey Methodist Chapel, in Grouville.

The project was carried out by Developers and Main Contractors Larsen, who bought, developed and built the scheme.

After Larsen acquired the site, the architects’ brief was to achieve the best possible design to maximise the owner’s return. They experimented with a variety of ideas from flats to a nightclub, but the scheme that eventually won through was to build a four storey house together with a garden, inside the church. Bruce Robinson from Larsen group said: “I’ve always wanted to put a tree in an atrium in the middle of a church, so this is where the idea began.”

“We started with the blank canvas of a former church - not the easiest of spaces to form a home in. However, taking into account the planning restrictions, it soon became clear that forming a single home in the space was the most viable approach,” said Mr Dale Fischer of Barnes Collie Architects.

The concept was to build a partially glazed box within the building. The church building is listed and protected as a Building of Local Interest. This meant that with the notable exception of a continuous rooflight two metres below the ridge of the roof on either side, no exterior changes were permitted to the listed facade.

The interior of the church had previously been sectioned off into smaller spaces with a covered

ceiling at eaves level. This was completely stripped out leaving only the trusses and roof in position.

A four bedroom house was then constructed in about two thirds of the building, leaving a full height atrium rising to 14 metres at one end, beneath which a Moroccan style garden, complete with garden style furniture and minimal planting, has been created. The house features a kitchen, dining area and living space on the ground floor, with a master and two secondary bedrooms on the floor above, a third floor comprising bedroom and study areas, and the top storey comprising a deck space with a Jacuzzi and entertaining area. A whole house ventilation system has also been installed to ensure fresh air internally.

The entire wall of the house overlooking the garden is glazed, with further light pouring in from the church windows of the original elevations (which form the remaining walls of the house), and the innovative rooflight which was a key element of the project. The resulting internal top lit space has returned the interior to something like it must have been when first built.

The entire house is digitally wired with remote controllers to operate from key locations and a high quality sound system runs throughout. The house is heated and cooled with an air-to-water heat pump feeding to underfloor heating and has a whole house ventilation system. To avoid a secondary means of escape, a fire sprinkler system has been installed. It has a full height atrium and on the top floor and a hot tub with views out the sea. This house within a church is a highly insulated eco-friendly high specification dwelling.

The conversion of the building inside has breathed life back into an imposing but neglected structure in a desirable residential area of the Island. This is a refurbishment with a difference. It is one which has undoubtedly made the most of the existing structure without compromising on a contemporary style and finish for the interior.

architectural inspiration wins top accolade for innovative project

14 channel ISlanDS

“The project went smoothly. We have worked with this client/contractor a number of times and have built up a fairly good working relationship with them,” said Mr Fischer.

In addition to winning the Best Small Scale Refurbishment or Remodelling category, Barnes Collie won a commendation in the same category for their work at The Mill Farm, Rue du Moulin, St Martin.

This project involved the refurbishment and extension of a home which had originally been a mill and had fallen into disrepair. The original rather narrow internal spaces did not lend themselves to modern open plan living, so an extension was constructed to the rear of the building to address this. The extension incorporates a large open plan kitchen beneath a high vaulted roof incorporating glazed elements, with large expanses of double sliding glazed doors overlooking a nearby forest and a small dam.

There were originally plans to convert the home into two houses; however Bruce Robinson from Larsen group noted that this would have been at the expense of a lovely home.

Instead, the original house was given an

external facelift, which involved removing old concrete render and repointing the walls with lime. Internally, the walls were lined with a waterproof membrane and a second skin of insulation was added.

“The build went very well,” said Mr Fischer.

Projects carried out by Barnes Collie Architects within the residential sector include those involving new build, extension, historic buildings and refurbishment. The practice also undertakes projects within the education, leisure/culture and offices/retail sectors.

Other accolades won by Barnes & Collie include those in the 2002 Jersey Design Awards for La Hogue Cottage - Best New Building and Belle Vue - Best Large Scale Development; 2004 Jersey Design Awards for Le Coin - Best Small House/Renovation and 2008 Jersey Design Awards for Petit Menage Stables - Best Small Scale Refurbishment.

Bruce Robinson from Larsen group said: “We are passionate about bringing old buildings back to life and restoring their former glory. We like to revitalise the traditional aspects of design using innovative modern concepts that serve to unite the past with the future.”

“We started with the blank canvas

of a former church - not the easiest of

spaces to form a home in.“

This project involved the

refurbishment and extension of

a home which had originally been a

mill and had fallen into disrepair.

16 channel ISlanDS


BDK Architects have proved a hit with the public and the industry alike, after scooping a top accolade at the Jersey Design Awards.

Paul Harding, director and owner of BDK Architects has said that he is ”very

pleased” with the outcome of the Jersey Awards, which were held in June of this year.

BDK Architects, who submitted a range of both completed and unbuilt projects, were personally congratulated by Jersey planning minister, Senator Freddie Cohen. Cohen noted that the Dessous Les Hougues project at L’Etacq is a ”really nice lovely scheme,” adding that it is a beautifully crafted exemplar of traditional Jersey architecture.

The project, entered in the Best Large Scale Development category, was carefully planned from day one. Through very careful surveying and with constant design development, BDK Architects

produced contemporary layouts that sat neatly, forming a cluster of traditionally detailed dwellings. Acting for Grange Development, BDK Architects then negotiated a Planning Permit for 10 two and three-bedroom traditional houses with a gross floor area only 15% less than the existing built floorspace. As Planning Policy in this sensitive Conservation location usually requires a built floorspace reduction of between 25-30%, this is a Jersey record.

Other projects that were submitted for consideration include: 1 Windsor Crescent in St.Helier and St. Brelade’s Bay Health and Fitness Club (both in the ‘Unbuilt Scheme Award’ category) and La Valeuse House, in the ‘Best Refurbishment of a Historic Building’ category.

In addition to being honoured by the Senator, BDK Architects also won a prestigious People’s Choice runner-up Award, which places their project in the top three schemes out of all 104 Design Awards

BDK architects scoop top accolade at Jersey Design awards

18 channel ISlanDS

entries. This award, which reflects solely the public’s opinion of the designs, illustrates that the company’s work is not only respected by industry experts, but by the public also.

Paul Harding congratulated all of those who won awards during Jersey Architecture Week 2011, during which there was an exhibition of all Jersey Design Award entries between 20th to the 24th of June. He said: ”All those that won awards or that were recognised deserved their credits and recognition. The competition was extremely strong and there were a lot of other projects that were entered into the awards that were of a very high quality but just failed to receive the top honours.”

Senator Freddie Cohen noted the quality of the Jersey projects, stating that: ”Jersey Architects are delivering – and I really mean this – buildings on a par with the best in Europe.”

Paul Harding, who also acts as the President of the Association of Jersey Architects, agrees: ”Jersey Architects are producing a wide variety of high quality architecture, and it is good to see that the Senator has acknowledged this.”

BDK Architects have a long history of being recognised for the quality of their design, as noted by Paul Harding: ”We have received many awards over the years. Jersey Archive in 2000 received a Civic Trust Award and 4 Jersey Design Awards. We have also been commended by the Concrete Society, so as a practice we have been consistently winning local awards, but also national UK awards. In 2004, we became the only Jersey practice to receive 2 Civic Trust commendations in the same year for St. George’s preparatory school sports hall and a new sports store in town, Intersport Heroes.”

Paul Harding also spoke of exciting

new construction projects, and the challenges that the company had faced: ”We’ve got a new Dave Whelan Sports branded Sports and Fitness Club under construction at the moment, at St Brelades Bay Hotel, and we hope that, following completion, this will receive recognition in due course. Plemont Holiday Village has been a continual challenge over the last five years. We are currently waiting for a date for the new Planning Minister in Jersey to make a decision concerning that application.”

When asked what makes BDK Architects so successful, Paul Harding said: ”We provide our clients with a high level of expert service, and we are recognised for this by a range of domestic and larger commercial clients. One of our clients recently said that we provided them with a quick, reasonably priced, creative service, with a complete understanding of all planning and building Bye-law aspects. I don’t think we could get a higher recommendation than that!”

More about BDK Architects work can be found at www.thebestof.co.uk/jersey and www.bdkarchitects.com.

”Jersey Architects are delivering

buildings on a par with the best in

Europe.”


Three buildings designed by Naish Waddington architects have won 1st, 2nd and 3rd prize in the “Best Large Scale Development“ category at the Jersey Design Awards.

ogier houseThe new headquarters of legal and fiduciary service provider Ogier, at 44 Espanlade, won first prize. It is a leading building in several ways, not only in its success at the design awards. At 100,000 square feet, this development is the largest office development in Jersey. It is also the greenest: the office building has the best eco-friendly credentials on the island, rated BREEAM ‘Very Good’.

Michael Waddington spoke to Premier Construction about the award-winning projects, and told us that one aspect of the project that the architects had particularly focused on was the perfection of the exterior finish. ”We really pushed the facade quality on this project,” he said, and

explained that pre-cast facade panels had been used, allowing greater quality control. He also explained how a mock-up of the building had been used in the design process ”as a tool for finessing the final design.”

The one-to-one timber mock-up allowed the architects to explore the detailing in the facade, and was used as a working mock-up that could be altered as the project progressed. Whilst they couldn’t change the pre-cast panels, they could look at the connectivity and detail between facade elements. Mr Waddington said that this is a technique which they have used before, but will be looking to make greater use of in the future. The architects also worked with a specialist facade consultant.

The facade, which can now be seen, highlights the traditional narrow plot widths of the Espanlade, but does so without hiding the modern framework on which it is built. At the front of the building, the framework appears to be three separate structures side-by-side. It is also designed to be visually lighter

good design comes in threes at naish Waddington

22 channel ISlanDS

at the upper levels, with the middle framework rising above the other two.

Camerons is the main contractor who has delivered the project.

la ColomberieComing in 2nd place to Ogier House was a new office block at 50 La Colomberie. At 33,000 square feet, this three-storey structure is significantly smaller than Ogier House, however the impact that it has on the town is arguably greater.

”One thing that we’re most pleased with is that this is a big step in the regeneration of this area,” explained Mr Waddington.

Several listed but dilapidated buildings had stood on the site, and having these demolished to make way for the construction work was somewhat controversial. However, the site is on a major route into St Helier and the new building has kick-started a reinvigoration of the area, including improvements to street lighting and furniture, and bicycle rack provision.

As with Ogier House, the detail of the facade was especially well thought-through.The use of silver anodized aluminium, insulated lightweight render and frameless and curved glass creates a modern and streamlined landmark, which incorporates less imposing, pavilion-like structures in order to create harmony with the surrounding buildings and pedestrianised road.

Within this design Naish Waddington responded to the Jersey Percent for Art initiative, which includes the aim of improving the standard of architecture and public artwork in the island. Two alu-bronze sculptural reliefs entitled “Night and

Day’ were designed by Michael Sandle RA and were incorporated into the corner of the curving façade. Michael Sandle gave a public talk in the Town Hall to accompany the unveiling of the works.

Premier Contracting completed the building work in 2010.

Chateau Valeuse apartmentsThis modern apartment block took 3rd place in the ‘Best Large Scale Development’ Category and comprises fifteen luxury apartments in St Brelades Bay.

Described as ‘calm and modernist’, the white stucco render and curved balconies of the building pay homage to the 1930s style of Grayson, whose designs are prominent in the island’s architectural heritage. It cuts a striking pose against a leafy, green backdrop on the hillside, visible from the beach below.

”We are really pleased with getting consent for bold, contemporary architecture in a rural setting,” Mr. Waddington told Premier Construction.

He did make it clear however, that the triumph came from being accepted and celebrated, rather than being controversial. He pointed out that architects whose designs appear far from their offices don’t necessarily have to deal with a moaning local population if the structure is not well-received. For Naish Waddington, who designs Jersey buildings close to home, it is ”real and close” if local residents vocalise negative responses.

Speaking to Michael Waddington, it was clear that the company’s care for the views of Jersey residents was high on their list of priorities, and that the warm reception to all three projects is at least as much of a pleasure as the success at the Jersey Design Awards.

As with Ogier House, the detail of the facade was

especially well thought-through

23

The Jersey Airport Radar Replacement Project (JARRP) is in progress as the airport replaces and relocates its existing radar system.

Jersey Airport’s £4m project seeks to replace its primary and secondary

radars, which become outdated at the end of this year and will no longer comply with new radar regulations that will come into force in 2012. Having

started in March 2011, the project is due to be completed by the end of December 2011.

SELEX Systems Integrations Ltd have been appointed as the project contractors, and Sandy Sawyer, Jersey Airport Operations Director, stated: ”Jersey Airport has had a long association with SELEX Systems.” Sub-contractors, John Grimes Partnership, are designing and installing the radar head building, the tower modifications and the site

Jersey airport radar replacement project


earth mat. Steve Savva, Jersey Airport Air Traffic Control Engineer, is Project Manager, and Airport Air Traffic Engineering is in charge of the airport side of the work.

The existing radars, which were installed in the mid 1990s and are no longer manufactured, are situated at Les Platons on Jersey’s north coast. The JARRP project is relocating them to within the airport security fence at the western side of the airfield in St Peter. The move is part of the necessary measure to ensure that the radars comply with the 2012 regulations, as well as a more practical arrangement for the air traffic control and maintenance staff, who will save time otherwise spent traveling to and from the Les Platons site.

The radars are not only an essential part of aviation for Jersey Airport, but they also provide wider radar cover and benefit to the Channel Islands in general. Ms Sawyer, said: ”The primary and secondary radars are vital to airfield operations and provide an essential tool from which the air traffic controllers work to control aircraft in Channel Islands airspace.”

So far, the project is running on time and within budget. Construction at the existing radar site on the Airfield has involved building a tarmac city, containing constructor’s cabins, and erecting a temporary mast for mobile phone and other aerials, which will be moved back to the modified tower on completion. The new radar heads are up and turning, and will now be integrated with equipment in the ATC tower as they start being tested and commissioned.

Environmental impact has, wherever possible, been limited to a minimum, and Ms Sawyer also explained the minimum visual impact of the project;

for example the new radar building at the base of the tower has been painted green in order to blend in with the environment and adjacent green hanger.

Although there are few special considerations to be taken into account during the project, particular care has to be taken about the height of the finished mast: it has to be safeguarded so that it does not infringe on the protected airspace for the runway. The project managers have also made sure that the local residents are aware of what is going on through a series of press releases.

Jersey Airport has not suffered any disruptions to its service through the project; the existing radar is still working as commissioned, and will be in use until the new radar is ready. The physical impact has also been minimal. Although the site lies within the airport compound, a barrier has been erected so that the area does not affect airport security. Ms Sawyer described the running of the project as ”very smooth.”

Similarly there have been no budget restrictions encountered during the project. The radar replacement project has been within the airport’s capital plan for years because the existing radar was not going to be compliant after the start of 2012.

Jersey Airport is a relatively small, regional, island airport serving the community and acting as one of the gateways to and from the island. The passenger input is 1.5 million per annum.

As one in a series of major construction developments for the airport, the Jersey Airport Radar Replacement project is the last major construction project for the foreseeable future.

26 channel ISlanDS

Peter Falla and Associates have worked on a diverse range of projects internationally, including large-scale city master-planning. However, some of their most recent projects showcase their talent in

smaller-scale residential and commercial buildings on their home turf in Guernsey.

baubigny FarmIn Spring 2011, work began on the site of Baubigny Farm to create a total of nine new and refurbished homes. The original farmhouse was constructed in 1822, and the estate has increased since then to ten acres. 2005 saw the sale of a large portion of the land for the development of St Samson’s High School.

PF +A were briefed to make the best use of the remaining land available to provide small yet practical homes for young families. In 2011 the property was awarded planning permission to refurbish the main farmhouse and bungalow, and also to convert the barn, producing three refurbished

housing units. An additional six new dwellings will be built, including one and two bedroom family homes, each benefitting from a garden and two allocated parking spaces.

The prestigious new development is due to be completed in late 2011 and will be constructed to an extremely high standard. The development is to be sold off-plan, allowing purchasers the opportunity to tailor their new home as the build develops.

Managing Director Peter Falla explains:”Peter Falla and Associates were briefed to

improve the previously approved plans to provide good quality new housing on the Baubigny site. In addition, proposals to convert existing outbuildings were sensitively redesigned to upgrade the accommodation provided. The result is a mix of new and traditional units, which will appeal to young families and downsizing couples.”

Paul Nobes is Director of the developers Inifinity Group. He commented, ”The nine dwellings at Baubigny Farm will be a very high specification, especially so in the affordable price bracket. We

“out-of-the-box, fantastic arhictectural ideas”: peter Falla and associates

The prestigious new development is due to be completed in

late 2011


are trying to provide quality affordable houses and separate them out from anything else in the market.

”We particularly used PF+A,” he said, ”because we trust them, and they provide out-of-the-box, fantastic architectural ideas.”

Alex Ford, Director of Sarnia Estate Agents added, ”With the lack of quality affordable housing in the Guernsey market, the Baubigny site is a refreshing addition to the local housing market.”

brownhill nursing homeMeanwhile PF+A have also designed a large extension for Brownhill Nursing Home in The Rohais, St Peter Port.The client’s brief was to extend the building and retain the community feel whilst catering for the elderly.

PF+A provided drawings for new resident accommodation, laundry room, assisted bathroom and a bright and airy communal sitting room. This sitting room links with the existing conservatory of the main house, and will incorporate an octagon shaped roof lantern to provide plenty of natural light.

An additional 8 comfortable bedrooms have also been added, all with en-suite shower rooms. 6 of these bedroom suites are designed with attractive, opening arch-topped doors leading out onto a patio

area overlooking the landscaped garden.Key features in the overall architectural plans all

accommodate residents’ specific mobility needs, not least an easily navigable internal ramp that provides a change in level from the existing building down to the new bedrooms.

Brownhill Nursing Home is owned by C.I Healthcare Ltd, and the build is due for completion in Spring 2012.

Kings houseIn a rather different project, Peter Falla and Associates designed the new headquarters for Trust Corporation.

The corporation required premises of 4,000 square feet to add to its existing office Roseneath, which is adjacent to the new site. PF+A’s answer is known as Kings House, a workplace with the aesthetic appeal of a period property and all the advantages of a new build.

PF+A Director Alex Whitmore says: ”We came up with the proposal for a new office building which would complement Roseneath, a beautiful Georgian property. Kings House also has to sit comfortably alongside other buildings on The Grange, many of which date from the Georgian or Regency periods. We worked hard to ensure the design and proportions

28 channel ISlanDS

are just right, applying the rules of symmetry, often valued by Georgian town planners”.

The result is a striking, grand structure with tall columns echoing the Palladian architecture which was popular in the Georgian era. The sash windows are a particular triumph: they are perfect (though double-glazed) copies of those at Roseneath. The tall windows necessitate higher ceilings than those normally seen in a modern office, providing a light and airy feel.

More subtly, the detailing adds to Kings House’s authenticity. On the west elevation is a black wrought iron Juliet balcony harmonising with the lamp over the door, roof parapet detailing, railings and even the cast iron guttering and downpipes, all with a fleur de lys design.

Behind the period facade, the interior of Kings House has all the sophistication of a modern workplace. Access floors allow all the cabling to be stored in the space beneath, giving the offices a clean, neat look. There is air conditioning throughout and a cooling system is installed in the loft space, where the computer servers are housed.

PF+A always seek to make their projects ecologically sound and Kings House is no exception, being thoroughly insulated and very energy efficient. Other up-to-date elements are a lift for disabled access and a well-appointed kitchen. There is also a subterranean data link with Roseneath, so the two buildings can function seamlessly as one campus.

Taking inspiration from the past and combining it with innovation is a winning formula which is sure to stand the test of time.


A new £3.6m Hold Baggage System (HBS) has been built at Jersey Airport in order to replace the old facility. Construction began in November 2010 and was completed in June 2011.

David Mason from Capita Symonds, who delivered the project, reported that work had gone smoothly.

The airport witnesses 62,000 aircraft movements and 1.46 million passengers annually, so the speed and reliability of the baggage system is essential. The previous system was built in 1997 as part of the development of the departures terminal but eventually reached the end of its working life, and was beyond economic repair. The situation was further exacerbated by the difficulty and expenses

new baggage facility for Jersey airport

30 channel ISlanDS

involved in sourcing spares in the event of a mechanical breakdown. Three x-ray machines in the sorting area have also been upgraded to meet new regulatory requirements.

The HBS is an automated mechanical system that carries checked-in baggage through a screening and sorting process before it is loaded onboard an aircraft. Although the process is not visible to the public, it is a vital element of air travel today and fulfils security regulations that require all baggage and cargo to be x-ray screened.

The upgraded system will reduce the chance of airport bottleneck, as queues will be shortened by the more effective system. Bottlenecks can be caused at airports by conveyors moving at the wrong speed or check-in staff loading luggage incorrectly.

A design team created a two-carousel system, with a built in system and structured technical marking. This was then sent out to tender, and was eventually awarded to Geo Robson & Co.

In order to supply the airport with 3 x-ray machines, Baggage Conveyors, two 25m Carousels and a Vertical Sorter and Plough Diverter, a stream of 25 40ft wagons transported the conveyors from the Robson factory in Darnall, Sheffield to the airport in Jersey. All of the machinery arrived on time, which allowed the project to progress smoothly.

Ian Davies, Robson’s airport project manager said: ”With the extra anti-terrorism security measures that have been implemented by the airport authorities, Robson’s integrated hold baggage screening systems have proved successful in providing systems that allow fast scanning with minimal delay for passengers.”

In 2011, Robson secured the overall Sheffield Chamber of Commerce & Industry Outstanding Business of the Year Award, also winning: The Kennedy’s Business Person of the Year Award, The Wake Smith Excellence in Manufacturing Award and The Irwin Mitchell Excellence in Customer Service Award.

The new system was built in two halves;

work on the left side took place whilst the right side was still operating, so measures had to be taken to make sure that construction was separated from the operational.

Capita Symonds is one of the UK’s largest multifaceted consultancies, delivering property and infrastructure projects on a local, national and international scale. To date, they have delivered over £60m worth of infrastructure and fit-out projects at Jersey Airport including: resurfacing and strengthening the runway and aprons, fit-out of the departures retail area, replacement of the hold baggage system and building extension works. All these developments have been completed whilst the airport has remained fully operational.

For more information on Capita Symonds, visit www.capitasymonds.co.uk

Construction magazine

premier construction 16-7 channel islands issue

Documents

jersey design awards

q bdk architects

architects naish waddington

design of residential

inspired design

ss phone

subscriptions phone

enquiries roma publications