Zero Emissions. Total Precision
Aerial Media Acquisition throughout Gosport, Hampshire and across the Home Counties.
mark@airpixdrones.co.uk l +44 (0)2392436381 l +44 (0)7939477422
AirpiX Case Study: Residential Block Renovation.
Rental Apartment block pre and post renovation aerial inspection.
Estepona, Southern Spain.
AirpiX was commissioned by members of the residents’ committee of a long-term rental apartment complex in Estepona, located on the southern coast of Spain, to provide comprehensive aerial photographic documentation of balcony renovation works.
The purpose of this commission was to independently monitor and record each phase of the refurbishment process being undertaken by the building management team and associated contractors. This included capturing high-resolution aerial imagery and close-up visual inspections to document the condition of structural elements, the progress of demolition and repair activities, and the quality of materials and workmanship being employed throughout the renovation.
By providing a detailed visual record of the works at each stage, AirpiX enabled the residents’ committee to ensure full transparency and accountability, while also supporting quality assurance protocols. The drone-based approach allowed for efficient, non-intrusive inspection of hard-to-reach areas, ensuring that structural repairs were completed in accordance with best practices and relevant building standards.
Phase 1
The initial phase of the project involved detailed aerial close-range visual documentation of the building’s marble balcony fascias, utilising high-resolution drone imaging to capture comprehensive visual data.
This stage of the project was carried out to support an initial structural condition assessment before any renovation work began on behalf of the 'Residence Committee".
To safely and efficiently document the condition of the marbel façade, an aerial drone survey was conducted.
This method provided a non-invasive way to observe and assess deterioration patterns across multiple balconies and levels without needing direct physical access.
The survey results helped guide the planning of repair works, allowing to prioritise areas showing the most advanced damage or posing the greatest structural risk.
The aim was to gather clear visual evidence of surface-level deterioration and to identifying common signs of material degradation, such as surface cracking, spalling (where parts of the surface break away), staining, and physical displacement. These types of damage are frequently linked to prolonged exposure to coastal conditions.
Given the building’s close location to the Mediterranean Sea, the external envelope of marble, especially the balcony elements exposed to the open air has been consistently subjected to salt-laden winds and elevated humidity.
Phase 2
The second phase involved a more in-depth investigation into the environmental damage affecting the structural components located beneath the marble fascia—specifically, the reinforced concrete balcony slabs and supporting elements.
This phase was designed to identify subsurface defects that are not immediately visible through visual inspection alone but may be inferred through surface indicators such as cracking patterns, staining, or deformation.
The intent was to evaluate the extent to which environmental exposure had penetrated the protective outer layers and begun to impact the internal structural integrity of the concrete & brick.
The marine environment presents a particularly aggressive setting for construction materials. Constant exposure to salt spray, combined with wind-driven moisture, leads to the accelerated weathering of natural stone and facilitates the ingress of chlorides into porous concrete surfaces.
Once chlorides reach the embedded steel reinforcement within the concrete, they initiate a chemical reaction that breaks down the passive oxide layer protecting the steel. This process—commonly referred to as chloride-induced corrosion—results in rust formation, which expands and exerts pressure on the surrounding concrete matrix
Over time, this internal expansion leads to cracking, delamination, and spalling of the concrete cover. If left untreated, such deterioration can severely compromise the load-bearing capacity of structural elements, posing safety risks and increasing long-term repair costs.
By identifying these risks early through aerial surveys and targeted visual analysis, a clearer understanding of the overall condition of the building envelope was establish and a technical baseline for planning future restoration and maintenance efforts was established.
Phase 3
Following the completion of investigative and repair works, the third and final phase of the project focused on the execution and validation of remedial actions.
All identified structural and material failures were addressed, including the repair or treatment of corroded steel reinforcement and the replacement of the original, degraded marble fascia.
To conclude the project, a final aerial photographic inspection was conducted. This survey provided high-resolution visual documentation of the completed restoration works, capturing each balcony and façade element to verify the quality and consistency of the repairs.
The imagery served a dual purpose: first, to ensure that the work met the standards and expectations of the Residents’ Committee, and second, to create a comprehensive visual record of the project’s progression.
By presenting “before,” “during,” and “after” imagery, the final report effectively told the restoration’s full story offering transparency, accountability, and a visual reference for future maintenance planning.
Due to the ongoing exposure to coastal elements and the maintenance challenges associated with natural stone in such environments, the decision was made to replace the marble with a more durable concrete fascia.
This alternative not only preserved the visual appearance of the original design but also offered improved long-term performance and resilience.
Mark, our Chief Pilot at AirpiX, is fully qualified to operate drones across Europe. He holds an A2 Certificate of Competency issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), permitting the operation of drones up to 4kg in weight within the A2 Open Category.
For this project, it was decided to utilise both a DJI Mini 3 Pro and then a DJI Mini 4 Pro (C0 label classification) to minimise disruption and noise to residents whilst enabling close-range inspections and remaining fully compliant with both European and Spanish drone regulations regarding seperation from uninvolved people and occupied buildings.