The Royal Courts of Guernsey
St Peter Port
This project for a new courthouse was selected in competition by the States of Guernsey.
Located in the centre of historic St Peter Port, on a tight and steeply sloping site, the new building houses a criminal court and magistrates court as well as public, custodial and administrative functions. It is linked to the original Royal Court Building of 1800, which forms the seat of government as well as justice. The two buildings together form a single, flexible and secure complex.
The new courthouse is clad in random granite blocks, many of which were reclaimed from the prison buildings which previously occupied the site. The granite facade of the prison has been rebuilt as the internal wall of the entrance hall. The building’s three distinctive zinc-clad roofs reinforce the town’s picturesque skyline.
While the stone is rusticated, the crisp mortar work, regular courses and constant parapet height provide a sense of unity and visual order.Building Design
Delight in Construction
A massive granite wall wraps around most of the perimeter of the court building. This is punctured by windows – sometimes within the depth of the wall, sometimes protruding from it. The wall reflects the vernacular tradition of granite building on the island and uses salvaged stone from the prison buildings that previously occupied the site.
Our Team
- Paul Baxter
- Chris Wood
Project Team
- Client: States of Guernsey
- Co-architect: HBG Design Ltd.
- Project Management: TPS
- Cost Planning: Northgates
- Structural Engineer: HBG design Ltd.
- Services Engineer: Buro Happold
- Acoustician: Acoustic design Consultants
- Fire Engineer: Bodycote Warrington Fire
- Contractor: RG Falla
- Photography: Morley von Sternberg
