The project
This mixed-use development located in Jersey brings together a new neighbourhood of homes, shops, restaurants and public spaces on the site of a former quarry. The scheme connects St Helier’s business districts and creates a dynamic new destination for the capital. We sought to respect and complement the dramatic surrounding landscape, with its cliffs and rocky terrain leading down to the historic harbour, as well as the history of the site. As such, we restricted the height of the development to sit within the natural landform and maximised south-facing views towards the water. Fractal geometry, gabion walls and planting help the building blend into the landscape and boost biodiversity.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=85caf17f3e28d4e1ae45cae49d74d5fc 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=630&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=776fa39106cfe90fcd8eefb7dc3d03a6 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1152&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=79dce463b65c2bc9a05e1274adc1f5ae 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1536&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=e3f2711ac42d2a6e1116f67a2a04399f 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2100&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=f64cf19a16e0fb2099811277a57dc767 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2400&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=f41d971ab7cc98efd8818379d191f993 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-3-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=2879&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=08f8228a300044987226d1b62cf677ec 1920w)
The model
For the competition, we started by making a series of models to explore the forms of the buildings. Taking inspiration from the dramatic cliffs and rocks around the site, we experimented with stone to make the massing models. We used sheets of slate to represent each floor, initially creating organic shapes which we could then refine. Working closely with the design team, we carefully carved and chiselled the slate into shapes that could be stacked up and arranged to make scale massing models. As the project progressed and the forms became more defined, we put the slate into our laser cutter and engraved the shapes. We then used these score lines to help form the slate into more accurate shapes.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=35e853f0d8935cef332db227995833e0 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=b1b2d7de6a8cfa2186f07354c2902877 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=bb3e29db6cdceda059864444640ef215 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=73304a71292d61dc6ea9111ff3362931 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=934&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=8def9b1dfab785168715dee89e812a43 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=352936d44e4dabee5e34a79ded9fd29b 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-9-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=4e01c75afbcf3e46f5f916bf883daf5b 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=5e880457d90cadc22bb2e75fce0c57a1 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=39fc50a6303efd98c763844981925191 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=2f78a64ae54d98ee50046ce8a9180df7 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=7ae65ad0b35617cc430b76597d31fa11 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=c09acb61c6b03a7a830fc52e16203706 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=acfff171a2bec6aa392a490a8b5f04a1 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-8-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=47886b2b19ccdac5133c1d99468cb9ad 1920w)
While working on the design and massing options, we were also producing a site model for the final presentation. As the design was heavily influenced by the surrounding landscape, it was important to include the cliffs and harbour in the model – so this is where we started. We used 3D-scan data to 3D-print the shape of the cliff, then made a mould and poured plaster in to get a smooth, seamless massing of the landscape. The rest of the base was made with layered contours of card.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=4729df6613d5693e97ee9c47b61f9488 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=0f06164152a76f90e0f2aa50f57f80cb 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=beb2228bc45fbeee6c13074cbbcba7ff 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=cffdd0f28fbb8276fd65478fd0b0e114 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=95707593e6280b838c3c063bc3301a3d 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=c650ec5ecb2f12a73bbf71dae0fcef43 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-6-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=494fa9a54d0f47c5c19102938147603f 1920w)
As we worked towards a final design, we made our scheme options from thin pieces of plaster layered with acrylic to represent the floor and glazing levels – we wanted the scheme to look organic and nestled in the landscape, as though it had been carved from the adjacent cliff. For the final touches, we added greenery and model boats to animate the model.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=a7df34515d03b05965cd2681c003891a 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=db7e759f242640a3fa6521648d46d6ff 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=dba651b1f87f941584df2215ae0cf4e7 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=682&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=37a0a13c0dad0f8b380c7bec764fd7a3 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=bae5ec2f5d9d0b8a0a4be7a2da9ddbfa 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1066&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=450d8d2e978beba2ce645a25a988c865 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F05%2FJersey-South-Hill_cMake-1-scaled.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=b964975c78825400c79bbc8d713e9cc9 1920w)