Ross House, Folkestone

Location: Folkestone

Client: Folkestone & Hythe District Council

Completed: May 2023

Value: £1.5m

Converting the commercial premises into 16 new homes (a mix of 1 and 2 bedroomed flats) for local people, not only does the building now benefit from enhanced thermal performance, greatly improving its EPC rating, but from a refreshed new look with its bright white rendered façade that has entirely transformed the property in modern new residences. (As shown in the before and after images on the right hand side.)

All now in occupation under social rented tenancy, the works have drastically improved the overall thermal performance of the building leading to a reduction in the carbon footprint. This has been achieved by changing the heating systems from gas with each new home served by an air source heat pump (supplied and installed by our subsidiary Reina Group), installing a PV system that returns energy to each flat and applying an External Wall Insulation system to the external facade of the building as well as upgrading the insulation to the loft space and the ground floor underfloor void. 

All now in occupation under social rented tenancy, each new home is served by an air source heat pump (supplied and installed by our subsidiary Reina Group) for heating and hot water supplies and benefit from PV panels fitted on the roof feeding natural energy into the homes supply to reduce overall electricity consumption. 

Insultation to the external wall façade, loft space and ground floor voids has been greatly enhanced and the property has new soffits, guttering, window vents and fire doors throughout to ensure safety and compliance. 

The retrofit project has proved a great success and incredibly wise investment as part of the councils drive to deliver more sustainable and quality new homes, affordably.