The Blade, Reading, UK



Architect
Sheppard Robson Architects
Date Built
Completed 2009
Location
Abbey Street
Description
The Maris-Interiors website describes The Blade as a, "... state of the art office building that enjoys spectacular views across Reading and the wider Thames Valley. The Blade Reading is a skyscraper and the tallest building in Berkshire; it rises 128 metres (420 ft) above the Reading skyline. The floors provide open plan flexible accommodation with floor to ceiling glazing offering fantastic views."  The height is accentuated by the blade like spire which is also the origin of its name.  Alternatively, it is referred to as Abbey Mill House.



Skyscrapernews adds, "... The building is almost entirely office in usage with 10,154 square metres of net internal space over 14 floors. As a semi connected wing, a restaurant section joins with the ground and first floors of the scheme.  With glazed lift shafts on show and unitized curtain walling covering the external envelope of the offices, one service core is situated on each end of the building allowing large uninterrupted floor-plates in between with typical sizes of 760 square metres."