3 Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
Three Chamberlain Square stands as a bold statement in Birmingham’s evolving skyline, a transformative landmark that bridges the city’s rich architectural heritage with a forward-thinking vision for the future. More than just a commercial building, it is a catalyst for community and collaboration, setting new standards for low-energy, low-carbon office spaces that respond to the dynamic needs of modern business.
The design celebrates the seamless integration of nature into the workspace, creating a vibrant environment where wellness, creativity, and productivity flourish. Generous glazing on all sides floods the interior with daylight, connecting the building’s occupants to the outdoors while promoting a sense of openness and energy. Fresh air flows through opening windows on each floor, and a rooftop terrace offers a space to breathe, relax, and engage with the city’s skyline. These elements are complemented by the use of organic, exposed materials that ground the building in its environment, fostering a strong sense of place.
The building’s flexible floorplates are designed to evolve with the needs of its occupants, encouraging collaboration and adaptability. Soft spots near the facades allow for interconnecting spaces, while double-height public rooms create focal points that invite interaction, forming a hub for ideas and innovation. This commitment to openness and connectivity reflects the building’s broader civic-minded approach, positioning office spaces not just as workplaces but as essential parts of a thriving urban fabric.
Respecting Birmingham’s historic context, Three Chamberlain Square is clad in elegant grey carboniferous limestone, echoing the Penmon marble of the adjacent Grade I listed Town Hall. White precast concrete accents introduce a lightness and modernity, balancing the building’s reverence for its surroundings with a contemporary aesthetic. The double-height loggia at ground level mirrors the civic layering of its neighboring structures, creating a sense of connection and openness to Chamberlain Square.
Three Chamberlain Square is more than a building; it is a symbol of progress and innovation, leading the way for sustainable development and the future of collaboration in Birmingham. As a striking focal point in the city’s commercial heart, it offers a new standard for workspace design—one that nurtures both people and the environment, while inspiring the next generation of design and urban living.
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Contract Value
£50M
Area
16,700m2
Completion
2021
Client
Argent LLP
Contract
Commercial / New Build
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Architects - Reiach and Hall Architects
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Our design for British Land’s Canada Water Development in London envisions a transformative city block. It stands as a solid mass, sculpted by the interplay of light, air, people, and movement. This block harmonizes with the masterplan’s vision, aligning with its objectives while introducing its own unique character. The block’s simplicity and confidence reinforce the masterplan’s overarching design principles.
The street-facing facades are characterized by dignified frontages that emphasize proportion, intricate detailing, and high-quality materials. Vertically expressed precast concrete columns lend texture and rhythm to the composition, maintaining a sense of decorum.
Generous courtyards, aligned with the masterplan’s geometries, punctuate the city block. These glass-lined spaces infuse light and reflection deep into the layout, creating distinct crystalline interiors. Connecting lanes between courtyards unveil unfolding passages, inviting pedestrians to explore spaces that shift from serene, sunlit areas during the day to vibrant, lively venues at night.
Main streets are flanked by spacious retail units, while smaller units line the passages and walkways. The inclusion of bars, cafes, and boutique retailers generates an engaging and unique ambiance at the heart of the development.
Entrances for commercial occupants are strategically positioned along the main street and civic square. The perimeter of the block comprises large, versatile commercial spaces. These areas are served by two primary cores and can be subdivided using a third core. The office spaces overlook the central sequence of courts and passages. Segments of the floor plans that connect to the cores are dedicated to knowledge exchange and social interaction. The top level accommodates roof terraces, bars, and cafes, offering communal spaces for all occupants to meet and relax.
The design incorporates highly sustainable strategies to minimize both embodied and operational carbon, underlining our commitment to environmentally responsible construction practices.
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