INCA Case Study: The Limes, Jersey

A Bold Vision for a Large-Scale Development Project

The Limes is a landmark regeneration scheme that exemplifies innovation in design, modern construction, and a wide range of decorative façade solutions from Wetherby Wall Systems, part of the ROCKWOOL Group.

Waddington Architects brought a clear and distinctive vision to the project, drawing inspiration from the site’s historic roots—specifically its association with an embankment and the Jersey Eastern Railway. The result is a stand-out building with a strong architectural identity.

This ambitious scheme is the product of strong collaboration between Wetherby Wall Systems, Fox Contracts, main contractor ROK Group, and Waddington Architects, on behalf of the client, Andium Homes. It stands as a testament to how thoughtful design, modern materials, and expert partnerships can deliver large-scale, sustainable housing with genuine architectural merit.

The mixed-use development includes 15 fully refurbished apartments, 127 new-build units, and a new dementia day care centre. It was constructed using lightweight steel framing, prefabricated balconies, and Wetherby’s Cavity Rail System external wall insulation, featuring both clay brick slips and Silicone Render finishes.

The Wetherby Cavity Rail System is an ideal solution for steel frame substrates, providing a drainage cavity between the sheathed steel frame and insulation. Combined with non-combustible ROCKWOOL Stone Wool insulation, the system offers enhanced thermal and fire performance.

The cavity is ‘partially ventilated’, meaning the impact on the through-wall U-value is minimal. Small drainage holes in the base track allow any moisture to escape from the system. New build insurers such as NHBC, Premier Guarantee, and LABC now require a cavity for new-build projects—making the Wetherby Cavity Rail System an ideal choice.

The unique Wetherby RagRail simplifies installation and, when combined with Stone Wool insulation and a brick slip finish, achieves an A1 fire rating to BS EN 13501-1. This allows the system to be specified for high-rise buildings. Insulation thicknesses of 140mm to 230mm offer excellent thermal and acoustic performance, while maintaining the highest level of impact resistance. The real clay brick slip finish delivers a robust and authentic brick appearance, indistinguishable from traditional masonry.

Rendered areas were finished using Wetherby Silicone 4S Render. Wetherby’s Four Seasons (4S) Silicone Render is engineered to withstand the challenges of the UK climate, performing exceptionally well even in lower temperatures. It provides a highly durable, water-resistant finish that significantly reduces wash-off. With a host of added benefits, it is the go-to choice for long-lasting performance across all weather conditions. The façade was completed using four different render colours to achieve the architect’s vision.

The sheer scale of the building posed a major installation challenge, further complicated by the intricate design, which involved extensive detailing and frequent changes in decorative materials.

Wetherby developed bespoke system detailing for the splayed embrasures (arrow-slit-style openings) around the parapet (see image 4), where brick slips were not feasible due to their risk of obstructing the openings. A render finish was chosen instead to maintain both function and visual impact. Wetherby also worked closely with the roofing contractor to develop a robust, durable junction detail, ensuring the façade system was securely sealed beneath the roofline. Every single window also included a brick slip soldier course for additional detail.

The development’s visual identity is defined by a well-considered blend of materials—combining warm-toned brick slips in three colour variations with four contrasting thin-coat render colours. The façade’s dynamic palette is enhanced by a balanced arrangement of recessed windows, projecting balconies, and subtle tonal changes that break down the building’s mass and add architectural rhythm.

The façade system was designed with exceptional thermal performance in mind, achieving incredibly low U-values ranging from 0.10 to 0.16 W/(m²K), far exceeding typical regulatory requirements. The Limes is a landmark project in every sense: scale, complexity, aesthetics, and performance.

“This is more than just housing- it’s a blueprint for how thoughtful design can integrate history, culture, and futureproofing in one place.”
Waddington Architects