A Tricorn House redevelopment plan proposed by a Stroud student has been commended by the Royal Institute of British Architects in a national competition.

Harriet Stride, 24, entered the competition, which asked candidates to reinvigorate run-down buildings, with a plan to refit the former civil service site with satellite offices made from prefabricated wooden pods.

Judges praised Ms Stride, who is in the first year of her MA at the London School of Architecture, for the design’s attitude to thermal performance, engagement with topical problems and for encouraging life within the space.

“Tricorn House gives the area a feel of neglect and Stroud isn’t a neglected town, people love Stroud so it’s out of place there,” said Ms Stride, who used to ride the bus past the building each day on her way to Stroud High School.

The office block, near Cainscross roundabout, was last occupied 20 years ago by the Department for Social Security and has seen numerous failed attempts at redevelopment.

“The proposals in the past have not been very inspiring, a lot of them hinge on covering the building up,” Ms Stride said.

“Something a little more ambitious and a little bit more fun would be nice.”

Her design anticipates post-Covid demand for affordable individual offices away from cities, or ‘satellite offices'.

“My personal opinion is that it can’t go on - not having contact with any people - so the design is about work flexibility.”

Ms Stride found out she had been commended when a package arrived at Austin Design Works, Nailsworth, her former employer, which she assumed was a misplaced material sample.

“I was shocked, I didn’t expect it,” said Ms Stride.

She said she hopes her ideas will be looked at by the powers at be and that any plans to knock the building down would be a waste of its structurally sound shell.

When she graduates, Ms Stride said she would like to work in the social side of architecture on projects that are socially conscious, sustainable and environmentally friendly.