HAVING presented Grand designs for over 20 years, it is fair to say that Kevin McCloud has had plenty of experience working with architects and construction professionals.
He has also witnessed the transformation of many homes, as people make their dreams a reality. It is therefore fitting that that it is his words which Association of Jersey Architects president Alison Horton quotes when she describes her profession.
‘In a metaphor with baking, he describes an architect as someone who takes a bag of loose ingredients – which represent the client’s dream – and turns them into an exquisite creation,’ she said. ‘He references the additional value for money an architect can deliver in terms of bringing storage, circulation, beauty and imagination to a project and finishes by saying: “What’s it to be then? In my left hand, a lemon and a box of eggs. In my right, a delicious concoction of sweetness to transport the soul. I know which I’d choose.”’
While fully endorsing these sentiments, Alison is also keen to stress the environmental benefits that an architect can bring to a project.
‘The need to protect the planet and minimise our carbon footprint is something that is gaining awareness across the global community and I would love to see more focus on this within the local construction industry,’ she said.
‘While this is starting to happen, I would like to encourage anybody planning a new build, or modernisation project, to consider the carbon implications of their work.’
Acknowledging that, as in so many areas which revolve around the environment, a ‘cultural shift’ would be required to bring eco-friendly building to the forefront of people’s minds, she highlighted materials and practices which could support this drive.
‘A lot of the focus at the moment is on energy consumption and insulation, both of which are vital ingredients. However, we also need to look at the embodied carbon within the concrete, steel and blocks we are using and think about ways of reducing this. One example of this lies in restructuring rather than demolishing and starting again so that you are “reusing” the carbon in the existing materials. Another technique could be to use a wood-fibre insulation system rather than a petroleum-derived insulation system.
‘It’s a difficult balancing act. As an architect, I love the aesthetics of modern steel and concrete buildings but we have to think about sustainability.’
And it is not just designing buildings for the future which Alison is keen to promote, as she is also focused on the future of the industry she represents.
‘I am really keen to encourage students to consider a career in architecture, as they are our future and I really want to ensure that we have the skills in the Island to deliver more high-quality and innovative schemes,’ she said. ‘While it takes seven years to qualify as an architect, the course includes a degree and office-based work experience before you take your final exams and can register with the Royal Court. It may sound daunting but the time flies, and it’s such a rewarding job.’
It is also a job, says Alison, which can extend beyond individual projects.
‘A lot of elements are closely linked and, to achieve the best schemes, you need a joined-up approach which considers the bigger picture,’ she said. ‘For example, if you think about St Helier, it would be great to incorporate more green spaces within the town area. Some of that can be achieved within individual properties – and lockdown has certainly encouraged more residents to think about adding roof gardens to this end.
‘Some of it, though, is about looking at town as a whole and that is where you have to consider the infrastructure as well as the architecture. Transport becomes relevant as does the potential for more al-fresco and nature-inspired areas.
‘Jersey has so many beautiful spaces that, with the right will and commitment, there is potential for a wealth of fantastic developments and that, ultimately, is what architecture is all about – making enjoyable places for people to live, and creating places and spaces which inspire those who see them.’
