The Summerland project is an attractive new residential build providing a much-needed economic stimulus for Jersey’s construction industry, as well as increasing the island’s stock of quality affordable housing.

Situated off Rouge Bouillon and located where the former Summerland knitwear factory once operated in St Helier, the development scheme consists of 7 three-bedroom town houses, 52 one-bedroom flats and 23 two-bedroom flats. All 75 apartments at Summerland will be allocated to rental through the Affordable Housing Gateway.

The site was previously home to ageing buildings used by the BBC and States of Jersey Police, however was transferred over to Jersey housing provider Andium Homes in 2016 for redevelopment, in a bid to help ease the housing shortage in Jersey.

Summerland was originally specified as traditional cavity wall but after investigation by main contractor Camerons, a single skin of blockwork with EWI was the most viable option to achieve the required U-Value.

A reliable and ‘A’ rated Wetherby Insulated Thin Coat Render System was chosen for the blockwork build to be installed by Wetherby Recognised Installer MKM Plastering Ltd. The system incorporated Styrobond Basecoat, 240mm ROCKWOOL Stone Wool Insulation and 1.5mm Silicone ‘k’ Render for the finish in shade white.

ROCKWOOL Stone Wool insulation is a semi-rigid insulation board that is A1 non-combustible and fire resistant, and will not develop any significant toxic smoke or promote flame spread, even when directly exposed to fire.

The flexible anti-crack formulation and ultra-violet resistant pigments of Wetherby Silicone Render allow for large areas to be seamlessly rendered with perfect colour consistency.

The architect Waddingtons and planning department wanted to keep the building looking traditional with ashlar grooves, similar to the surrounding architecture, therefore Wetherby had to develop a bespoke bead to integrate with our system (see photos).

To imitate the more expensive ashlar stonework, MKM Plastering Ltd had the task of fixing the special beading to the insulation, creating a recess and an accurate detailed finish to the rendered façade. The beading was supplied in white to blend in with the chosen finish. The clever beading and application provided an attractive and modern interpretation of Georgian detailing as it could be precisely placed.

Additional features to add to the overall look included EPS cills.

Now complete, the exciting new development will be renamed “Le Clos Couriard” in memory of the late Michael “Mitch” Couriard MBE who devoted a large part if his life to the community of Jersey.

The fresh new residential properties are not only fantastic new modern apartments to help with housing shortage, but with a finished u- value of 0.14 W/m²K they will also be energy efficient for the new tenants.

Wetherby Building Systems, Technical Sales Manager Adrian Stanton;

“A traditional ashlar design was specifically requested for Summerland, in keeping with traditional Jersey buildings. Wetherby were tasked with supplying our system, but sourcing materials that would help create the desired affect and the end result looks fantastic.”

Deputy Anne Pryke, Minister for Housing;

“…the site provides an excellent opportunity to deliver affordable homes in an accessible and convenient part of town – close to people’s places of work, schools and other amenities. This clearly reflects our ambition to make the best use of surplus​ States-owned land for affordable housing, and deliver good quality homes and strong communities in St Helier.”