During the latter half of 2025 we undertook and extensive external refurbishment for FHDC of a block of flats overlooking Folkestone Harbour. With uninterrupted views across the English Channel and down the coast to Dungeness, along with roof tops views across F51 and towards Foord Road Viaduct, the building occupies a great position within the town.

Acting as both Principal Contractor and Principal Designer the project involved collaboration between multiple stakeholders including specialists in key areas  of the works, with reference to the elements within the design that had to be regulated for compliance.

In early July a full scaffold was erected around the property to provide safe and secure access for our operatives. With the scaffold in place, work progressed steadily across multiple areas of the building. The scope of the project was wide-ranging and includes both essential repairs and longer-term improvements aimed at enhancing comfort, safety, and durability for residents.

The main scope of works included:

• Concrete and brick repairs to restore the building’s structure.
• Replacement rainwater downpipes.
• Triflex waterproofing to balconies.
• Removal and replacement of asbestos cavity trays.
• New windows and cavity trays to improve weather protection and efficiency.
• Extra insulation installed to help with thermal efficiencies.
• Decoration of the front elevation and railings for a refreshed, modern finish along with other areas of painting to enhance run down areas.

Other key elements involved providing additional safety upgrades to help delay the spread of any potential fire between floors. With the removal of each flat’s windows for new more thermally efficient UPVC windows all cavities were filled with Arc Cavity Stop Sock, following manufacturers guidelines for the preparation and installation of this product overseen by our site and project managers, with final assessment and sign off by an external party, Podium.

Further safety upgrades were also carried out in line with the design specification including adding an 8 mm composite rock panel which was installed internally to the bottom section of all window sets, prior to the installation of the finished PVC panel.

Each flat had to be signed off for compliance by Podium adhering to their strict specification, our site manager compiled each flats reports giving a verbal account of works carried out along with photographic evidence.

We’d like to thank out site manager and project manager for overseeing this aspect of the works with a keen attention to detail which was reflected in the comments passed back to us by Podiums inspectors.

Safety and communication remained central to our approach. Clear AW Construction signage was in place across the site, ensuring residents and visitors understood active working zones and could move around the building safely. Dedicated pedestrian routes were created to separate foot traffic from site activities, reducing disruption and maintaining an orderly environment throughout the programme.

This project at Folkestone Harbour for FHDC shows  AW Construction’s commitment to combining technical expertise, strong client relationships, and careful planning. On completion, the building presents an improved appearance and hopefully will  also deliver lasting benefits for its residents in terms of comfort, safety, and efficiency.