Davidson Office Building, Berkshire Commercial Redevelopment, English Architecture Photos

Davidson Office Building Reading

14 Sep 2020

Davidson Office Building in Reading

Design: dn-a architects

Location: Forbury Square, Reading, Berkshire, England, UK

Photos © Andy Stagg

dn-a’s refresh has propelled Davidson forward to become one of the most sought-after office environments in the highly competitive Thames Valley office market.

The design enhances the use of space through the introduction of a warmer palette of natural materials, which uplifts the atmosphere of the entrance, reception and passageway.

“Through the vision of dn-a we have transformed Davidson to a new level. The new reception area, additional showers and bicycle store have ensured that the building enhances the wellbeing of our occupiers and has received universal approval.” – Neil Meredith, Head of Asset Management at Schroders

Through the introduction of timber slats on the soffit and a diffused lighting system along its length we have established a warmer, more welcoming transition through the building. The light-coloured paving which links the two entrances connect the interior and exterior space, helping to connect the building to the public realm whilst lifting the former gloomy atmosphere.

Access into Davidson is via two entrances from either side of the building, on Forbury Square and Abbey Square. Our metal and timber, double height portal canopies installed within the entrances align with the modern aesthetic of the existing building, built in 2000. They add visual interest to both entry points and provide focus to the passageway beyond, redefining its impact, thus creating a more memorable first impression.

The reception area has been updated with natural timber plinths, wooden flooring and stylish furniture to give the space a unity and function. Soft lighting and warm colours create an inviting, welcoming atmosphere that draw tenants and visitors to the relaxed meeting and co-working areas.

The instalment of new cycle storage, showers, lockers and changing facilities at basement level have all been sustainably designed with the health and wellbeing of the occupiers in mind, whilst simultaneously encouraging the reduction of private vehicles.

The entrance at Abbey Square, once seen as ‘the back’ of the building, has been transformed into an integral part of Davidson with a new façade system, staircase and access to the new bike storage via existing openings in the brickwork plinths. Contemporary signage has been worked into the canopies’ metalwork on both of the timber and metal entrance portals, creating a striking, consistent brand identity to the development.

The design challenges we faced in 2017 were that, despite its central location in Reading, Davidson House lacked activity, animation and a clearly branded entrance. The challenge was to introduce a distinctive, defined entrance that re-identifies Davidson as a contemporary, forward thinking office space. Another challenge was to uplift the public passageway, which passes through the building, as it was dark and uninviting. Lastly, the back of the building was scarcely used, appeared uninspiring and unwelcoming, despite being south facing.

We acknowledged that the passageway was an unappealing route as it lacked visibility and protection from the elements. Through the introduction of timber slats on the soffit and a diffused lighting system along its length we have established a warmer, more welcoming transition through the building. The light-coloured paving which links the two entrances connect the interior and exterior space, helping to connect the building to the public realm whilst lifting the former gloomy atmosphere.

Design: dn-a architects

Completion date: 2019