Onyx, Fresh Student Living, Birmingham (£62m)

BREEAM New Construction, SBEM, EPC, Thermal Comfort, LCC, LZC Report, Daylighting

The new purpose-built student accommodation located in the heart of Birmingham city centre consisted of 1,025 bedrooms spread across two tower blocks of 13 and 24 storeys.

The bold ‘razor sharp’ angular towers came together in a smooth gloss-black façade, enhanced and anchored, by a contemporary central 10-storey block. Intended to encourage resident well-being and interaction, social spaces were designed with all required home comforts in a modern open plan setting, while secure outdoor spaces were provided at both ground floor and roof locations.

Achieving a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating, the development boasted views of Birmingham’s ‘Gun Quarter’ and beyond, cementing itself as a future landscape icon.