morris architects

Working with Antler Homes, Morris Architects were commissioned to create one and two-bedroom apartments with a requirement for sea views and direct access from the underground car park, road, footpath, and amenity space. The amenity space was strategically positioned on the promenade side of the building to provide private gardens for the occupants, offering solar orientation and stunning sea views.

The design objective was to achieve a distinctly modern building that harmonized with the character of the surrounding area, while avoiding any imitation or pastiche influences. The architectural solution took the form of a 'U' shaped building, maximizing the surface area available for the apartments to capitalize on the sea views. This configuration also allowed for the inclusion of the amenity space and presented a visually appealing three-story façade to the street. To minimize its impact on the road and maintain a strong design approach facing the sea, the building was stepped back from the Havre des Pas road, forming a marine vernacular along the promenade. Passers-by from Havre des Pas encounter a building with a pedestrian height matched by the surrounding structures, lower than the existing Carlton Hotel, with glimpses through the building offering views of the amenity space and the sea beyond.

The sea-facing façade was softened using curved balconies, complemented by curved stainless steel and glass railings, creating a sense of flowing forms. This design approach was adapted and refined on the side elevations facing the street, incorporating more formal and proportional elements. The building was rendered in a light colour, with slate-covered infill cladding at the corners facing Havre des Pas. Stainless steel curved green-tinted glazed handrails provided protection for the balconies, while powder-coated aluminium windows were used throughout. To protect against harsh winter conditions, windows facing the seaside were equipped with integral shutters integrated into the building's fabric, offering residents the ability to close them during inclement weather. This provided additional protection from wind-driven rain and debris commonly encountered on this part of the promenade. The podium/base facing the promenade was constructed using Jersey Granite in a regularized longitudinal brick pattern with a battered form. The lower portion of windows facing Havre des Pas featured toughened glazed panels in a dark green/grey colour.

The choice of render as the building's finish was considered crucial, as it contributed to the sense of free-flowing forms and uninterrupted visual continuity. Render played an essential role in realizing the design concept inspired by the art deco seaside buildings found along the south coast, including Jersey. It was believed that any other material would disrupt the building's cohesive form and detract from the overall concept of mass and free flow. By using render, the eye was allowed to perceive the building as a continuous, homogeneous, and unbroken entity, supporting the architectural vision.