2D/3D in the "Pearce Sisters"

I really was delighted by this Aardman Short, and I was also baffled as to how they accomplished such a stylized look that had such an organic feel, yet a sense of something that was assembled in a 3D software. Their website graciously gives the lo-down on how they accomplished this look, and of course, as is with most Aardman work, software offered no shortcuts. I realize this isn't a look that entirely mimics Cut Out animation...though the layering of backgrounds and the waves have a decidedly "diorama" look to them.

http://www.pearcesisters.co.uk/production.html