Apartment Scheme Birmingham

The design approach

The building is conceived as a substantial but carefully articulated addition to a constrained urban site. Strong brick piers divide the elevations into a series of vertical bays, helping the development relate to the scale and rhythm of the Jewellery Quarter’s traditional workshops.

Contemporary arched openings at the lower levels reference the area’s industrial buildings and establish a clear pedestrian scale. Large windows and inset winter gardens provide daylight and private amenity without relying on projecting balconies that could disrupt the disciplined façade.

The upper level uses dark bronze-toned metalwork to create a lighter visual termination. Its setback allows the main brick elevations to remain the defining feature when viewed from street level.

Active ground floor

The ground floor combines a clearly identifiable residential entrance with flexible studio or workspace units facing the street.

This active frontage could accommodate small businesses, creative studios or professional workspaces, supporting the Jewellery Quarter’s established mixed-use character. A recessed entrance courtyard, integrated planting and generous glazing create a welcoming transition from the public street to the residential accommodation.

Planning and context

Development within an established historic district requires a careful understanding of scale, townscape, materials and neighbouring heritage assets.

The concept therefore considers:

• Relationship with neighbouring workshops and warehouses
• Appropriate height, massing and roofline
• The rhythm and proportions of established industrial façades
• Long views through surrounding streets
• High-quality and durable external materials
• Daylight, privacy and residential outlook
• Private amenity through inset winter gardens
• Active commercial or workspace frontage
• Accessible residential entrances
• Secure cycle and refuse storage
• Public-realm improvements and integrated planting

The proposal demonstrates how new residential development could draw upon Birmingham’s industrial character while remaining recognisably contemporary.