UK Construction Journal - Issue 1 - April 2026 - Flipbook - Page 31
iterative process involved extensive research and testing,
working closely with Earth Structures and Elliott Wood to
support the learning process. Testing started with small
samples that gradually increased in size, subtly pulling the
delicate tones into the building’s structure while ensuring the
exacting texture and tone were achieved.
In the centre of the home, a section of the rammed earth core
has been left exposed, offering a window into the building’s
construction while repositioning the material as a sculptural
focal point that showcases the beautiful, hard-won finish.
The interior layout is somewhat inverted, with the ground floor
housing the private bedrooms; a calm, sheltered layer beneath
the light-filled living spaces above. The primary suite faces the
sea, cocooned by solid walls and the protective colonnade.
Arched openings soften the hard geometry, introducing a
quiet romanticism to the robust materiality. A vaulted ceiling in
the dressing area enhances this sculptural quality, as if carved
into the solid mass itself.
Entry to the home is via the ground floor, which features
a thoughtful utility zone affectionately known as the
“boardroom”, a space designed for rinsing off after swimming
or surfing, complete with shower, surfboard storage and
direct access to the outdoors.
The main staircase is the organising spine of the home, from
which the internal layout and journey is shaped. It stretches
upwards to meet the exposed rammed earth wall, connecting
the private ground floor spaces with the elevated living areas
above. Openings in the facade ensure direct sightlines to the
surrounding landscape in either direction of travel.
Moving upstairs, the atmosphere shifts and brightens beneath
a large rooflight, opening to an open-plan kitchen and lounge
with an adjacent dining room. The first floor stands in contrast
to the calm sense of shelter below. Here, the architecture
reaches outward through extensive glazing and east- and
west-facing terraces that frame panoramic views and capture
the changing light throughout the day.
The project celebrates Fieldwork’s collaborative approach
and the value of collective expertise throughout the process.
Developed from initial concepts alongside Singh Studio, the
scheme was shaped early on through close engagement with
leading SRE engineer Elliot Wood, informing the structural
and material possibilities of SRE and local granite. Rigorously
explored with specialist contractors, the completed project
stands as a testament to the shared knowledge, design, and
craft of all those involved.
The dining room is located in a timber pavilion that was
introduced later in the design process to create additional
space and balance the overall massing. The pavilion provides
summer shading and its dark timber cladding complements
the home’s window frames and joinery while remaining
visually subservient to the granite and rammed earth volumes.
Tim Gibbons, Director, Fieldwork Architects, said:
Inside, material continuity links the two floors through the
strategic use of cream-coloured limestone. Used for the
exterior window reveals, it reappears as a continuous band
that travels up the staircase and around the floor opening.
It forms the kitchen worktops and stone framework that
houses custom timber cabinetry designed by Fieldwork. The
limestone’s finish shifts according to function: a flamed texture
underfoot reveals tiny fossilised shells, while countertops are
polished smooth.
“
Wishing Well sits on Jersey’s most exposed coastline
and provided an opportunity to balance contemporary
design with the rugged surroundings . Working closely
alongside the client, who welcomed our ideas and
supported our approach throughout, we were able to
create a home that was a celebration of the surrounding
environment and local craftsmanship.”
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