Reading RG1
Conversion of a two storey mixed-use building into three two-bedroom flats with improved fenestration and sustainability. The scheme was shaped to meet Reading's restrictive policies in an area with a high concentration of HMOs.
67a Foxhill Road in Reading was a two storey mixed use building used as office and industrial space. The owner wanted to convert it into homes, in an area with a high concentration of HMOs where Reading's policies are restrictive.
The conversion creates three two bedroom flats rather than HMO rooms, which fits the council's aim of providing family and self contained housing. Fenestration was improved to give the flats good daylight, and the sustainability of the building was upgraded.
Side, front and rear elevations show the new windows and doors in proportions that respect the brick building and its neighbours, and the floor plans show three flats meeting the space standards.
The scheme was shaped from the start around Reading's restrictive policies on conversions and HMOs, so the use, unit mix and layout responded directly to what the council wanted to see.
Some office to residential changes can be made under permitted development with prior approval, but they come with restrictions and do not suit every building. Here, a full planning application gave the flexibility to improve the elevations and achieve a better layout.
Converting a commercial building gives an opportunity to upgrade insulation, glazing and heating, improving the energy performance of the homes.
The side elevation drawings show the existing and proposed appearance, with new windows to the flats arranged in a regular rhythm.
Our central and east Reading page covers this part of Reading in more detail, including the HMO controls that shaped the scheme.
Three two bedroom flats suit couples and small families, and the mix answers Reading's concern about the concentration of HMOs in the area. Each flat meets the nationally described space standards, as shown on the floor plans.
The front and rear elevations show the brick building with new windows that give each flat good daylight, while keeping its simple character.
Our records show this as one of our larger Reading conversion projects.
Reading's policies resist the further concentration of HMOs in areas where they already make up a large share of homes, and support self contained flats that meet the space standards. The scheme was shaped to sit squarely within that policy.
We prepared the floor plans and the side, front and rear elevations.
Two new semi-detached dwellings · Reading RG30
New end-of-terrace dwelling · Reading RG6
Conversion to 3 flats with rear extension · Reading RG1
Conversion to 2 flats with rear extension · Reading RG1
Tell us about your project for a free, no obligation quote.