Birmingham Settlement

The project forms Phase 1 of a wider masterplan for the site, known as the Nature and Wellbeing Centre, and opened up the space for regular activities and provided a new community café and facilities in a colourful new centre, known as the ‘Red Shed’.

The centre is a beacon, set within a stunning woodland site adjacent to Edgbaston Reservoir, and uses an unusual roof form and colour palette. Our team collaborated with Axis Design Architects on the structural and civil engineering designs.

The building sits on the footprint of the previous community centre with a slightly increased floorplan to allow for group events and provision of amenities. Supported on shallow concrete strip footings, the structure utilises low-carbon natural materials; clay block masonry walls are constructed beneath a timber framed roof, with a central ridge beam supported on gable end walls and an internal column. The drainage and landscaping design considered the development in the context of the wider site and potential future development.

The project has created a unique and revitalised community asset, which promotes a more socially and ecologically positive future.