In the bustling heart of Birmingham, a landmark building has undergone a remarkable transformation.Setting new standards for sustainability and workplace wellbeing, the 10 Brindley Place refurbishment project, covering an impressive 210,000 square feet of Category A office space, is a testament to innovation, commitment to environmental responsibility, and a vision for the future of work. Spacemade, a forward-thinking end user that manages a network of co-working spaces across the UK, partnered with Associated Architects to bring this visionary project to life.

With sustainability at the forefront of the design brief, the project aimed to refurbish the building back to its frame, rather than opting for demolition, resulting in an estimated 60% reduction in embodied carbon over a 60-year building life cycle assessment. Key design features reduce operational carbon as well. By adopting a fabric-first approach, the building has been made more energy-efficient, employing high levels of thermal insulation and air tightness.

The external facade was transformed using a brickslip system, enhancing both the building's aesthetics and insulation. Natural solutions, including a green roof, play a role in regulating the building's temperature, while an all-electric heating, cooling, and hot water system eliminates the need for fossil fuels. In the bustling heart of Birmingham, a landmark building has undergone a remarkable transformation. The Brindley Place development has drawn attention to this once neglected side of the city. A solar PV array on the roof harnesses green energy, contributing to the building's impressive 'A' Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating and BREEAM 'Excellent' certification.

Predicted to consume 65% less energy compared to offices of similar size, 10 Brindley Place is not just a workspace, but an embodiment of ecological responsibility and technological advancement. Smart Spaces, a leading smart building platform, has woven cutting-edge technology into the fabric of 10 Brindley Place, propelling it into the ranks of the most technologically advanced office buildings in the country. The result is a high-quality, amenity-rich, and sustainable workplace that perfectly aligns with modern occupier demands.

Among the array of amenities offered are private studios, coworking spaces, meeting rooms, a coffee shop with a roastery, and a 2,000 sqft auditorium and event space. The building caters to wellbeing with a fitness studio, bouldering wall, cycle storage, electric vehicle charging, and communal landscaped roof terraces. This holistic approach to work-life integration distinguishes 10 Brindley Place as a leader in designing spaces that prioritises

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN: Associated Architects

MAIN CONTRACTOR: Willmott Dixon

PHOTOGRAPHY: Ben McPhee

SOLUS RANGES USED IN THIS PROJECT: Gravel Target Australasia

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