Les Vardes - A conceptual exploration into the future of the quarry

Les Vardes is a fictional design concept imagined for Les Vardes Quarry in the north of Guernsey.

In reality, the now redundant quarry will be used for water storage, but we gave our work experience student, Oli Coupe, an imaginary brief to envision what housing could look like in the quarry after it is decommissioned. We wanted a design that blends modern architecture with a focus on biodiversity and enhancing habitats for local wildlife.

Oli designed 70 dwellings spread over four terraced blocks which blend into the jagged forms of the quarry. Each dwelling is serviced by an inclinator elevator providing access even on the slopes of the quarry. Terraces for each home provides outdoor space to relax and soak in the dramatic views in the quarry.

Housing is accompanied by a wide variety of recreational activities centred around an artificial lake formed by partially filling the quarry. Community is a big consideration in this scheme so a park and planted boardwalk are provided for social activities and connecting with nature. There is also space for restaurants, bars and a convenience store at the base of the quarry.

Key Architectural Features

Long and narrow dwellings with floor to ceiling glazing to maximise light and views
Indoor sports, gym complex and climbing facilities to allow residents and visitors to scale the walls of the quarry
Native trees and vegetation to spread over the site providing habitats for small mammals and birds while fish can thrive in the waters of the lake

We think Oli delivered a fantastic design concept that meets our brief perfectly. This project will not be built as it is just a proof of concept of how the site could be transformed into a rich housing community.