Jean-Henri Morin, the founder of Atelier One, has a strong interest in developing a high quality architecture that has a positive and sustainable relationship with the environment. His wide range of experience and interests embrace the areas of architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and component design. Past and present projects include leisure facilities, commercial buildings, retail and residential projects. Jean-Henri, born and educated in France, qualified as an Architect at the École Des Beaux Arts in Paris. Currently he resides and works in Australia, however his work continues on both an international and local level.

The design principles behind the project at the Rockhouse resort are simple. Evolving directly from the natural surroundings, the beauty of the Caribbean and the location on Pristine Cove provided a fertile source for architectural ideas. Emphasis was placed on simple and strong forms – the hotel is designed to be a harmonious and respectful insertion into its jungle-like environment. Choice of materials also became important – local timber and thatch were chosen to merge with the fully-grown garden. The use of stone was inspired by the surrounding volcanic rock landscape.

The L-shaped plan of the restaurant and bar guides visitors from the entrance through the bar to the long dining room, which steps down to a suspended balcony over the water. Cut stonewalls at critical structural points provide a sense of security and strength.

Challenged by the seas and solidly resting on magma of volcanic rocks, the pool is a surreal oasis of vibrant colors and raw perspectives. Designed to form part of this lunar landscape, the pool links the sea some eight feet below it to the organic paths that emerge from the dense garden. Red concrete pathways provide a dynamic edge to the turquoise pool, whose western end curves and undulates with the natural contours of the rocky cliff. There is no visual barrier between the two water surfaces and the pool seems to float above the Caribbean Sea. The pool pavilion and deck are clad with stone, again retaining a strong, clear connection to the natural environment. The plan is simple, with fin walls positioned to act as wave-crushers. They face and reflect the shapes of the bar and storage pavilion, and together these have become a dramatic landmark for the area, visible from the West End Road across Pristine Cove.

A new line of furniture was designed to sit harmoniously with both decors: the textured, cool and protected space provided by the stone villas, and the cozy and elegant interior of the timber framed rooms. The four-poster beds, dressers and bedside tables were constructed of dressed and polished local timber. Their simple, inviting lines gently reconcile the intimacy of the interior with the over overwhelming presence of the Caribbean. The tactile smoothness of the furniture merges with the serenity of the environment, while their shapes and forms make reference to nautical design.

Inserting man-made elements that did not compete with the unspoiled site required the development of a harmonious relationship. This became the primary focus of the design.

Design Hotels Yearbook, Edition 2006
"Topped with thatched roofs and made out of local timber and cut stone, the bungalows are the centerpiece of this island getaway on the sunset-rich tip of Jamaica. Australian-based architect Jean-Henri Morin aimed for the same seamless transition between the forces of nature and man's existence beautifully exemplified by life in African villages in planning the layout and design of the hotel. The bar and restaurant are the meeting point of Morin's 'village' and offer an exquisite dining area on a deck suspended above the Pristine Cove. A stunning infinity pool set in this modern take on a rock garden perfects this back-to-nature experience. The Rockhouse borrows generously from its surroundings in the design concept, with clear references made to the sea and abundant nature – including the boat-shaped terraces on the edge of the cliff. The simple lines and nautical forms of the custom-made furniture constructed of local wood are further evidence of Morin's design in tune with nature."

Daily Telegraph, UK Travel Section

"Stone pathways cut through the rocky foreshore lead to a stunning swimming pool perched on the water's edge; the pure blue planes of sea, sky and pool are emphasized by the minimalist geometry of the surrounding buildings."

Travel + Leisure, "Best of Jamaica"
"Rockhouse Hotel is a hip resort for design mavens… The walkways and the octagonal, thatched-roof huts at the Rockhouse Hotel are constructed of a bright sand-colored stone with the texture of coral. The villas sprawl along craggy wave-swept cliffs; next to the chaise lounge on the terrace of our lodging was a narrow staircase that led into the Caribbean 20 feet below, where we could enjoy a refreshing mid-afternoon snorkel among the coral reefs."

Arthur Frommer's Budget Travel

"Rockhouse's rounded thatched villas are strung atop a low cliff carved with stairs that lead down to the warm waters of Pristine Cove. Guests stroll out to the 60-foot horizon pool, take yoga classes, or stroll along the property's serpentine paths and stepping stones, which inevitably lead to quiet nooks, isolated beach chairs, and what most people say are the best sunset views in Jamaica."

Architect:
Jean-Henri Morin Atelier One
Meredith Place
Frenchs Forest NSW 2086 Australia
t: 61-2 94516415
f: 61-2 94516756
e: jeanri@atelierone.com.au
w: www.atelierone.com.au