EKC – Construction Block

Client Brief

Following a tender process, EKC commissioned Rap Interiors to erect a two storey extension of their construction block in Folkestone. This would provide an extra 1,089m² of training space for the teaching of bricklaying, plastering and maintenance operations.

The project entailed creating two workshops, two classrooms and a covered outside area for a paddle mixer and timber store.

Building the Construction Block

Rap Interiors began by performing a dig and laying the foundations on the vacant space behind the existing construction block. With the foundations laid, Rap then constructed the building using a steel portal frame, facing brickwork and metal cladding.

Ground Floor Interior Design

To ensure the ground floor plastering and brickwork workshop was fit for purpose, Rap introduced a number of practical elements. These included a cleanable concrete slab floor; bespoke stainless steel sinks for washing hands and tools; a gas powered Reznor heater capable of warming up a large, empty space; and 110 and 240 volt outlets – the former being suitable for using power tools.

Rap also created an exposed cement mixing area on the ground floor. With many tools and materials being used in this space, Rap cordoned it off with palisade fencing and introduced a store room for optimum security. Additionally, the first floor included a DDA compliant accessibility ramp, roller shutters and external lights.

Would you like to see more of our EKC Group Projects? If so, then take a look at the Salon Academy, Computer Lab and Travel & Tourism Classroom we created for EKC Group’s Dover Technical College. 

First Floor Interior Design

The first floor – which consisted of two classrooms, a breakout area and maintenance workshop – was also built for purpose and shared many of the same features as the ground floor. These included a washing up section, mixed power outlets, LED baton lights, a fire escape, and hard wearing galvanised tubing to protect the cabling. The flooring, however, was made out of a heavy duty oriented strand board rather than concrete.

Thank you for choosing Rap Interiors as your fit out contractor

EKC now has a fit for purpose learning environment to encourage students to get into the construction industry. The new facility will ensure the students are learning in practical environment with the latest equipment, which is important in ensuring they can progress into work after completing their courses. In addition to that, the local economy in Shepway will benefit from seeing a greater number of highly skilled construction professionals in the area – one of the objectives outlined by East Kent College.

We at Rap are proud to have worked on this project and are thankful to the students who gave a helping hand throughout. We wish them the best of luck for what will undoubtedly be a successful future.