1 London Street, Reading
The refurbishment of 1 London Street, Reading for Solicitors FSP comprises a full office refit including complicated Mechanical and Electrical services, complete with air conditioning and ventilation.
The building being located in the city centre, with an RG1 post code represents significant challenges, especially when coupled with the fact that the building has to remain fully operational throughout on 3 of the four floors of the building.
It was decided to start the works on the 3rd floor, having first ensured to external envelope of the building is both wind and water tight. This has required a complete re-roof of the covering, complete with tapered insulation, as well as extensive work to the existing hardwood curved headed windows located in the mansard section of the roof structure.
The programme for the works has been set at 8 weeks for the 3rd and ground floor sections, and 7 weeks for the 2nd and 1st floors.
1 week gap from handover of each works section to allow the decant from one floor or swing space back in to the newly refurbished sections.
The transformation from old to new is astonishing, and the Client thus far, having completed the 3rd floor and handed it over, on time.
The overall remit includes for new furniture, fixtures and equipment, and this adds to the overall impression when installed within the office areas, the ablution facilities and the breakout area.
New glazed partitions and doors increase light significantly, and the common areas are more user friendly. The new suspended ceilings, and complimented with MF ceilings where tapered margins would have existed, was decided to be designed out of the job by our in-house design team. These ceiling areas house a plethora of complicated services and air conditioning cassettes, serviced by the new plant, hidden skilfully on the roof, beside the existing tank room.
The floor coverings are themed on a floor by floor basis, and correlate with the colour scheme devised for the job.
The existing lift has been refurbished cosmetically, and the general appearance now is in keeping with a truly contemporary office environment.
Existing staff have expressed real interest in the finished job, and are keen to relocate back to their respective floors once all works to the particular floors are completed.
To date, no incidents or accidents have been reported, and the Consultants engaged by the Client and end user are extremely happy with the efforts expended, and finished results achieved.
