People walking in a city square in front of a building with a black sign that reads "FOLCA" and large windows. A blue shipping container is on the right. The sky is mostly clear with some clouds.

Folca 2

Bringing Life Back to the High Street through Reuse and Imagination

Architect: [Y/N] Studio, Projects Office
Budget: £2.5million
Competition Entry

Photography / Images: [Y/N] Studio

This Art Deco landmark in Folkstone fell out of use with the failure of Debenhams department store. This project looked at how to bring the building back in to use for the benefit of the local community, the building having been purchased by the council.

The proposal developed the support infrastructure for Folkestone’s social, creative, and business communities.

We would retain the building’s structure and key elements (facade, staircase), creating flexible floor plates which can be divided and re-arranged to meet the requirements of changing occupiers.

We would extend the building upwards and outwards, continuing the grand staircase up to a new roof terrace, and creating a sheltered transition area between high street and facade. By removing some sections of floor plate internally, we can create voids and light wells, allowing light into the building, creating a hierarchy to support public and more private uses, and generating views through to different levels, encouraging people to explore.

The project focused on retaining the majority of the fabric of the building, maintaining its unique character as well as reducing costs and waste. Where there was a clear benefit to the building and use, new structures and extensions were designed.

A modern shopping mall interior with white walls, green structural beams, black string lights hanging from the ceiling, and people walking around and window shopping.
People walking inside a spacious, well-lit modern building with large windows and string lights hanging from the ceiling.
Group of people sitting indoors, facing a woman presenting in front of a large map and mural, with windows on the left and a balcony with plants on the right.
Interior of a modern, bright building with large windows and white walls. People are sitting on benches and standing, with some talking and others using their phones. A woman in beige is speaking at a podium, and shadows from the window frames cast linear patterns on the floor.
Interior view of a modern building with multiple floors, visible staircases, and a railing with large white letters that spell 'FOCAL'.

“Structurally, we are enabling extensive internal alterations and openings, a new 2 storey side extension and double width loft extension, as well as various building fabric repairs.”

Modern art gallery with white walls, featuring various paintings, a high ceiling, green structural beams, and natural light from windows.
Interior view of a modern multi-story building with green exposed staircases and railings, glass walls, and people walking in the background near the entrance.
An indoor space with green structural beams, wood slat benches, and planters with greenery and flowers. Two men are present: one seated on a bench and the other walking up a staircase.
Multi-level atrium in a modern office building with glass walls, people walking, and trees in planters.
Interior view of a modern building with a green staircase, large windows, and people walking inside.
Interior view of a modern building with mint green railings, stairs, and large windows, with people walking and sitting inside.