BPN architects adds zinc-clad residences to birmingham's school yard development

in suburban birmingham, three miles south-west of the city center, BPN architects has completed a residential development within the grounds of a listed former school building. the 13 new homes form the second phase of the ‘school yard’ development, a masterplan that combines the site’s existing victorian architecture with a series of contemporary interventions.

the residential development is set within the grounds of a listed former school building
image by paul kozlowski, courtesy of VM zinc / video by amy lunn

in 2013, EDG property completed the first phase of the scheme, a restoration project that resulted in restaurants, coffee shops, and a food school operating as a social enterprise. phase 2, carried out by BPN architects, is situated at the rear of the building formerly known as the harborne clock tower. originally built as a school in 1881, the listed victorian structure was designed by martin & chamberlain, one of birmingham’s most celebrated architectural practices.

at its base, the structure is wrapped in siberian larch
image by paul kozlowski, courtesy of VM zinc

at the end of 2013, BPN was selected to develop plans for the project’s second stage. the firm’s proposal was based around two blocks of upper floor accommodation, connected through an open staircase, timber walkways, and terraces. in total, 13 residential units are provided, made up of 1 and 2 bed apartments, as well as 2 and 3 bed duplexes. in order to draw light into the lower levels, walkways contain ‘cut outs’ that filter the natural illumination. car parking for residents is found at ground level.

the upper three storeys are clad with black zinc with visible standing seams
image by paul kozlowski, courtesy of VM zinc

structurally, the building comprises a concrete frame at ground floor, with the upper storeys constructed using a lightweight timber frame. at its base, the structure is wrapped in siberian larch, while the upper three storeys are clad in black zinc. the random pattern of the standing seams intends to provide visual movement and texture, which, together with the irregular fenestration, helps to animate the façades.

the random pattern of the seams intends to provide visual movement and texture
image by jas sansi, courtesy of EDG property

the combination of different aperture sizes also interacts with sunlight throughout the day, resulting in variations of light and shade. linear zinc seams at each floor seek to emphasize the horizontal arrangement. the timber cladding at ground level integrates louvers, which have been designed to add depth to the elevation while echoing the louvers found on the external walkways.

the irregular fenestration helps to animate the façades
image by paul kozlowski, courtesy of VM zinc

designed to add depth to the elevation, the timber cladding at ground level integrates louvers
image by paul kozlowski, courtesy of VM zinc

walkways contain ‘cut outs’ that filter natural daylight
image by jas sansi, courtesy of EDG property

small openings draw light into the lower levels
image by jas sansi, courtesy of EDG property

the scheme is connected through an open staircase, timber walkways, and terraces
image by jas sansi, courtesy of EDG property

in total, 13 residential units are provided
image by jas sansi, courtesy of EDG property

the upper storeys have been constructed using a lightweight timber frame
image by jas sansi, courtesy of EDG property

the masterplan combines the site’s existing victorian architecture with contemporary interventions
image by paul kozlowski, courtesy of VM zinc

the building is built on a ground level concrete frame
image by paul kozlowski, courtesy of VM zinc

the housing is situated at the rear of the building formerly known as the harborne clock tower
image by jas sansi, courtesy of EDG property

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