Colmore Gate is a landmark building within the core commercial area in the centre of Birmingham. The existing building comprises 16 floors in the tower together with a 6 floor podium and two basement levels that was constructed in the mid-1990s. For a number of years we have been working with the Client and Design Team to look at refurbishment and extension opportunities within the building. This has culminated in a scheme which retains the existing structure and facade, with some minor modifications, together with extending the podium floors creating a level 9 communal pavilion and external terrace facility.

The MEP services adopt a new all electric solution using air source heat pumps, together with various energy efficient solutions in order to deliver the target EPC A rating, whilst retaining the existing facade, and has already achieved a NABERS Design Reviewed Target Rating of 5.0 stars.

The overall sustainability ethos revolves around adopting a low upfront carbon principle of retaining the existing structure, foundations and facade. This core principle of building re-use is then supplemented with the extension and internal fit out works. Part of the design solution is to expose the original concrete floor ribs using an exposed services arrangement to create a modern clean aesthetic maximising floor height in the office space.

The project is targeting BREEAM Excellent, WELL core Gold and WiredScore Platinum accreditations.