Feb22
The Residences at Edgbaston
Posted by Ashlea Williamson
The project commenced on a vacant lot situated at the intersection of Pershore Road and Edgbaston Road, right next to Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham.
This exciting, new residential-led mixed-use development has been thoughtfully designed to offer over 370 new build-to-rent apartments, addressing the increasing demand for such accommodation in the vicinity.
The development features a variety of living spaces, including studio apartments, one, two, and three-bedroom residences, as well as ground-floor commercial spaces encompassing retail shops, food and beverage outlets, and a fitness centre.
The combination of residential units, commercial spaces, and recreational facilities will contribute to lively and engaging street-level facades, while the design ensures that most homes enjoy east, west, or south-facing aspects and access to private courtyard spaces.
Additionally, the added amenities offer job opportunities and services for the local community, complemented by a new parking layout designed for residents. Set amidst beautiful landscaping, the architecture varies in height and aims to become a prominent landmark at this well-known location. With a fibreglass model of a full size Mini commissioned for the upper terrace. This unique and unusual feature, is a nod to the historic manufacturing ties of the Mini to Birmingham.
Brief
Architects Callison RTKL UK Ltd sought the expertise and guidance of the Alumasc team to manage the expansive 4,000m2 roofing project.
It was apparent from initial design meetings that sustainability and lifecycle credentials were key to the design specification, as well as finding solutions for complex details and interface challenges.
A roofing solution was required to support the lifecycle of the building along with excellent product reputation. Given the quality, longevity, and environmental considerations required from the roofing design, the roofing system properties and warranty performance were extremely important from the outset.
Controlling Waterflow
After comprehensive discussions with the client, a combination of Alumasc’s Hydrotech and BluRoof systems were determined to be the perfect solutions for this project, both versatile systems that have a proven history across new build projects for residential, commercial, and public buildings.
By incorporating these systems within the design, Alumasc were able to offer a comprehensive and sustainable solution for water management, providing benefits that extend beyond stormwater control to encompass environmental conservation, energy efficiency, and long-term cost savings.
The Alumasc BluRoof system was incorporated throughout the design to counteract the effects of heavy rainfall. The BluRoof system is designed to alleviate flood-risk by attenuating stormwater via controlled discharge over a 24-hour period at roof level. This mitigates the effects of flash flooding and intense rainfall events, which are becoming more common as climate change is impacting on weather patterns and urbanisation is increasing.
The key feature is the ability to regulate the release of rainwater from the roof through adjustable flow control outlets, meaning it is versatile and can be used in several different applications from roofs to podiums, even combining multiple levels and larger catchment areas on roofs.
Enduring Solutions
At the core of this project lies a deep commitment to sustainability. The design seamlessly blends both hard and soft landscaping elements, incorporating extensive planting throughout the scheme. This strategic approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also contributes significantly to the attainment of noteworthy Biodiversity Net Gain credentials. By promoting sustainable water practices and energy efficiency, the Alumasc BluRoof system contributes to the reduction of a building’s carbon footprint. This aligns with broader environmental goals and sustainability initiatives.
Alumasc’s Hydrotech system was specified for the inverted roof areas. Hydrotech MM6125 is a hot-applied, monolithic, fully bonded, flexible membrane which is used in buried applications. Renowned for its high-performance and adaptability, it is a popular choice for new build projects as it is extremely versatile and can be easily applied to different substrates, including horizontal and vertical surfaces. Hydrotech has an unbeatable track record of more than 50 years and is designed to last the lifetime of a building structure, it is also subject to the highest levels of certification and testing. MM6125 is a special formulation of refined asphalts and synthetic rubbers with 30% recycled content.
Futureproof Design
Durability and lifecycle costing was a major consideration to the client. The installed systems are extremely durable, ensuring a longer lifespan. This longevity reduces the need for frequent maintenance and replacements, contributing to the overall sustainability of the construction.
With unrivalled third-party accreditations for life expectancy, Hydrotech was the ideal choice for this large-scale scheme. Our approved and very experienced contractor; MAC Roofing & Contracting Ltd, delivered outstanding levels of workmanship. Working in partnership in a truly collaborative approach with all stakeholders, resulted in the delivery of an impeccable solution that will stand the test of time.
With a 35-year warranty awarded on this project, the result is a high-performance, durable, roofing system which will be enjoyed by future residents for many years to come.
Our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction is evident in our meticulous approach, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.