The Jetty Restaurant
The Jetty is a contemporary and eco- friendly restaurant on the edge of Christchurch Harbour. The unique location commands superb views over the estuary and the founding design principles were to build a restaurant that would blend into the landscape and that would be in keeping with the natural environment.
Nicolas James worked with House Designers to create an ethical and carbon neutral building with exceptional thermal performance that has been designed to look as if it is floating slightly above ground level – just like a ship. The building was inspired following visit to Germany by the Chairman of Nicolas James Group, Nicolas Roach, where he was inspired by the stunning design of our award winning showroom “Die HausSchneiderei”.
The restaurant is located right at the water’s edge in the grounds of Christchurch Harbour Hotel. The setting is beautiful with superb views over the estuary and the Nicolas James Group wanted to build a restaurant that was not only aesthetically pleasing but, more importantly, in keeping with the local and natural environment.
Triple glazed sliding doors lead out onto the terrace, letting light flood into the interior and making it link seamlessly with the outdoors when the doors are open in the summer months. The restaurant has glazing along three sides to maximise solar gain and make the most of the panoramic views. When the windows are closed, the building is completely airtight, protecting diners and staff from the elements in the cold winter months. There are automatically controlled external solar blinds to control the light entering the restaurant and there is a state-of-the-art ventilation system that keeps the air fresh and comfortable.
The building’s exterior is clad in untreated larch which has faded over time to a silver grey colour and will blend well with the landscape. Furthermore, a sedum roof has been planted to improve thermal performance and also to help the building blend into its natural surroundings.
Avington Estate
The breath-taking Avington Estate under the management and development of Nicolas James, is highly demonstrative of the group commitments to preserving and facilitating a greener future.
From extensive rewilding of local countryside including 6 acres of planted wild flowers and grasses, doubling over the next 2 years, to an extensive native hedging project providing cover and food for local wildlife. Over 800 mostly native trees have already been planted on the estate with a pledge to plant a further 800 by 2025.
All of this is supported with the use of electric equipment charged by the estates solar energy panels.
