Choosing the Right Location: The Challenge

Back in April 2014 we were asked by renowned demolition contractor J Mould to document and monitor the demolition of an iconic Reading building - The Metal Box building. It was to be a long term project with a time lapse camera documenting the demolition of a piece of Reading history and the build of a new structure on the Reading skyline. 

Created as an HQ for the Metal Box Company in 1974, the Metal Box building is widely  thought to have had the architectural brief of ‘anything but a box shape’. As such, the building was octagonal and was widely regarded as a brutalist masterpiece. With a full size swimming pool that also served as a reservoir for the sprinkler system, the building was quirky but unfortunately impractical.

Choosing the right location to document such a change in Reading’s architectural history was no easy feat. even with our comprehensive knowledge of camera locations around Reading Station - having placed over 20 long term time lapse cameras on the station’s renovation project. 

With the site neighbouring the main railway line and a major dual carriageway, access and safety planning was essential, as was working with the local council and Network Rail. With this in mind and the need for power and good network signal we were able to assist in choosing a location on a neighbouring building and quickly installed a camera to capture all of the complex processes. 

The Result:

Watch the full video of the demolition and construction below and if you have any questions or would like to know more about our time lapse cameras, site monitoring or media production services, get in touch. 

‘We’re happy to say the camera stayed in position for the construction of a new office block on the site so we have the full demolition and construction process’

- Jay Mould, Director.