Derwent House shortlisted for AJ Architecture Award

Glancy Nicholls Architects have recently completed the full refurbishment and conversion of Derwent House, a historic Grade II listed building in Birmingham. Originally built as a metal pressing factory for Taylor and Challen in 1902, it has been in constant use as a metal works factory until changes in manufacturing processes made it unviable.

With a dramatic change of use, we looked at innovative ways to convert site constraints into opportunities.

The main street elevation is dominated by triple-height glazing. In response, we retained and refurbished these windows, designing a layout with duplexes apartments which utilise double-height winter gardens to incorporate the impressive original windows.

Working closely with the client, we have undertaken a thoughtful redesign of the internal arrangement to provide modern apartments while incorporating the industrial heritage. It was important to retain the character of the building, particularly with its key setting within a conservation area.

The design integrates original features keeping the heritage of the building at the heart of the design. These include the refurbishment of the original windows, exposed internal steelwork and trusses and incorporation of the original light fittings into the new design.

To provide an energy efficient-building without compromising the heritage, the design utilises wintergardens, in place of more typically used secondary glazing, to pull the thermal line back from the elevation maintaining the full height of the windows and giving a unique feature to the apartments.

We are looking forward to the AJ Architecture Awards ceremony on Wednesday 23rd November at the Hilton London Metropole, where the winners will be announced!

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Find out more about the project here.
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