Multistory is the bringing together of two separate buildings (formerly 2 Colmore Square and Cannon House) to create one exceptional workspace featuring Birmingham’s largest amenity space that ties together communal areas for inhabitation on a work and social basis.
The key improvements that have been made as part of this project include, 2 new receptions for a best-in-class arrival experience, the introduction of a 100-person Auditorium, new lifts with destination control, a bar/coffee lounge, an outdoor terrace, communal bookable meeting rooms, generous co-working areas, new car EV charging points, best in class cycle storage and outstanding showers and changing facilities. Multistory is setting the new benchwork for Sustainability, achieving WiredScore Platinum, Fitwel 2 star and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) of ‘B’.
Air soured heat pumps provide the heating and cooling to the amenity areas with heat recovery air handling unit providing fresh air. White box retail units are provided at ground floor level with larger retail units within the lower ground level. The two levels are linked with a grand staircase.
The building Africa House along Kingsway near Holborn Station has been refurbished to offer 119,297ft² of high quality office accommodation, for which Watkins Payne supplied building services engineering, vertical transportation engineering, BREEAM duties and energy consultancy to achieve an EPC C rating.
The exposed services strategy implemented at Fortess Grove compliments the industrial nature of the building. Cycling facilities are provided along with showers and lockers at ground floor level accessed directly from the rear of the building along Railey Mews. The development achieved a WiredScore certification of ‘Gold’ and a B rated Energy Performance Certification.
The Practice was responsible for designing the complete refurbishment of the mechanical, electrical and public health services to all of the guest rooms, together with the penthouse units in The Claridge’s Hotel.
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Acting on behalf of Oxford Properties the practice has undertaken both decarbonisation and Cat A refurbishment within the circa 350,000ft2 office led building while maintaining full operation for existing tenants throughout.
The Minerva House redevelopment works will include the partial demolition of the existing building and extension comprising of additional upper floors and a new lower ground floor.
The mixed use development comprises two office buildings totalling 220,000ft² of high quality office accommodation together with a 289 unit residential scheme consisting of private apartments and affordable housing building.