January saw the transformation of a derelict five-storey Edwardian Grade II Listed building in Central Reading completed. 150 Friar Street, rebranded as ‘Dog House’, is the new HQ for client TCN. Working closely with the TCN team, FMA’s design repairs and preserves much of the historic interior. Through opening up some of the cellular spaces, raising ceilings to reveal fine timber trusses, and adding features such as contemporary glazed screens, the result is a striking and inspiring environment.
FMA project director, Roger Goodliff, said, “This building forms part of a rare late-Victorian complete piece of townscape, comprising fine terracotta and brick facades and generous sash windows. The original interior survived, unlike many of the others in the street, but had been altered over the years. We removed the more recent internal additions and complemented the original with appropriate contemporary elements. The end result is a great place to work, providing high quality workspace for Reading’s creative community.”
