Calthorpe Road
Historic brutalist bones with a warm, contemporary heart
Situated in the suburb of Edgbaston, Calthorpe Road is an important piece of Birmingham’s post-war history—originally designed by the city’s homegrown brutalist architect, John Madin.
Our refurbishment builds on that legacy to deliver on the client’s bold vision for student living: the slick hospitality of a member’s club, the effortless style of 1950s cinema, and any high-spec facilities an aspiring young professional might require—all wrapped with the warmth of home.
A story told with each new step
By restoring and accentuating key components of Madin’s original design, we could harness its Brutalist language to tell a new interior story.
Arriving through the double-height, glass curtain-walled entrance, the mood is light and refined—punctuated by the building’s original, carefully restored black marble columns. In the lobby, that mood is anchored by the branded communal juice bar, which acts as hub for social connection.
As you move deeper into the building, the palette—and the mood—shifts. The bright, airy entrance gives way to a stylish subterranean heart, where high-spec amenities like gyms, content studios, and gaming rooms give residents a choice between productivity, play and peace and quiet.
Comfort in all quarters
A variety of accommodation types—from communal cluster flats to private studios—have been designed to provide balance between sociability and sanctuary. Across all options, the palette remains neutral and calm, giving students the flexibility to make living spaces their own while maintaining a visual thread that connects back to the wider communal finishes.
Built to last, and to change
We prioritised products with carbon-neutral credentials, including textiles with recycled content and low-VOC paints that ensure healthy indoor air quality. By combining resilient materials with flexible furniture layouts, interiors are future-ready—able to handle the evolving needs of student life without the need for regular replacement and waste.
Access all areas
With consistent thresholds across every route, moving through the building is seamless for all residents. Wayfinding is simple and intuitive, and furniture is adaptable to diverse needs.
To support neurodiverse residents, the building offers a range of environments—from lively, open-plan hubs to intimate, acoustically treated nooks. Combined with thoughtfully positioned quiet rooms and accessible study areas, residents can find a pace of life that feels right for them.
