Occupying a prominent position on the Folkestone beachfront, Shoreline is a contemporary take on the traditional Edwardian curved terrace and the first phase of an impressive masterplan. Constructed by Jenner and designed by ACME architectural practice for the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company, the impressive residential building is the first step in creating a vibrant new community along the historic seafront.

Situated at the foot of the historic Leas Lift and coastal park, Shoreline’s 84 luxury homes benefit from a prime position with uninterrupted views onto the beach and across the sea, stretching as far as the French coastline on a clear day. It is the first phase of a landmark project that will provide up to 1,000 new homes, shops, bars and restaurants as well as attractive public and green spaces, includingLeasSquare and Marine Parade along the seafront in Folkestone.

Overcoming a multitude of challenges along the way, this incredibly beautiful, unique building sits upon robust foundations of over 200 piles, driven to a depth of 27 metres making the foundations as deep as the building is high. Constructed with a reinforced concrete frame, Shoreline’s flowing curved form echoes the shape of the waves, pebbles and coast.

Built to endure the ever-changing weather patterns experienced on the UK’s coastline, every detail of Shoreline has been meticulously considered. The facade’s white glazed bricks, sourced from La Paloma in Spain, reflects the changing colours of the sea and sky according to the weather and the time of day. ‘Standardised’ was never going to be an option and as such over 24 different specially designed bricks were required to achieve the complex geometry. Metal used on the exterior of the building is rust-proof, whilst wall ties beneath the facade are made from the same marine grade materials found on deep sea oil rigs, ensuring longevity and sustainability.

With the design of the balconies proving problematic in terms of their load bearing weight, engineers implemented lighter-weight aluminium support systems that seamlessly integrated into the building’s curved design. There were also five different balcony designs each bespoke to mirror the shape and curve of the structure. The coping stones on the parapet walls were individual in size and shape requiring special moulds. The curved structure also demanded bespoke windowsills; each unit scanned as a 3D image.

The bespoke finish is most certainly not limited to what the public eye can see with communal areas clad with acoustic walls and terrazzo floors to ensure quality radiates throughout.

Private roof terraces are included for the beach houses and penthouse apartments and all units have the exclusive use of a private communal garden above the under-croft car park that promotes natural daylight through carefully placed openings to provide a secure and pleasant environment with EV charging points and sufficient headroom for all modern vehicles.

Martin Sandall, managing director at Jenner said:

“As a Folkestone based main contractor, we are delighted to have been able to deliver the initial phase of the transformative Folkstone seafront development. Shoreline Crescent is a truly spectacular interpretation of an English seaside crescent-shaped apartment building. Whilst its coastal location presented a number of construction challenges, from ground engineering through to the selection and installation of materials, the exceptional quality of the finished building stands as testament to the remarkable work of the entire project team.”

From initial concept through to articulation of its architecture by utilising state-of-the art construction techniques and products of the highest specification, the project serves as a prime example of how the built form positively impacts upon a region.